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EspañolBaltimore's 2026 NFL offseason is underway, and the Ravens' focus will shift to reshaping the roster and helping quarterback Lamar Jackson take the next step as a passer. One big move will be to restructure Jackson's deal, or sign him to a new, lucrative contract extension. The restructuring could mirror what Kansas City did with Patrick Mahomes on Wednesday.
With the legal tampering period just 14 days away, we're looking at how much flexibility the Ravens could have.
Ravens salary cap space
The March 9 legal tampering period is fast approaching, and the Ravens have $22,043,387 in available cap space right now.
Ravens dead money
The March 9 legal tampering period is fast approaching, and the Ravens have a $12,262,715 dead salary cap hit that places Baltimore at 16th in the NFL, per Over The Cap, and could grow even bigger.
moves the Ravens can make to create a few million in cap space
Extend Lamar Jackson
Space created: $40,560,000
After a near-MVP season in 2024, Jackson was battered and missed four games, going 192-302 passing (63.6 completion percentage) for 2,549 yards (196.1 per game), 21 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a 103.8 passer rating.
Restructure Lamar Jackson
Space created: $38,025,000
Cut Roquan Smith
Space created: $20,000,000
Dead cap hit: $12,718,750
Smith just finished a season where he earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
Sign Roquan Smith to an extension
Space created:$14,960,000
Dead cap hit: $0
Smith's team-high 130 tackles (74 solo) ranked 15th in the NFL and 7th in the AFC. He added five tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, three passes defensed, and one fumble recovery.
Release Marlon Humphrey Post June 1
Space created: $19,259,300
Dead cap hit: $7,016,700
Humphrey had the biggest regression, going from an All-Pro season in 2024 to one of the lowest graded players at his position.
Release Broderick Washington Post June 1
Space created: $4,010,000
Dead cap hit: $1,850,000
A key piece of Baltimore's defensive front for the past six seasons, Washington has four tackles and one start this season before being placed on Injured Reserve after ankle surgery. Releasing Washington with a post-June 1 designation would save the Ravens $4,010,000, with $1,850,000 in dead salary cap space.
Release Andrew Vorhees
Space created: $3,605,000
Dead cap: $25,528
Baltimore's offensive guards finished the season with a cumulative 52.1 PFF run-blocking grade, which ranked only 27th in the NFL.
Final analysis
Signing Jackson and Smith to extensions, along with releasing Marlon Humphrey, Andrew Vorhees, and Broderick Washington, would create $80+ million salary cap space.
NFL Salary Cap Expectations
Tom Pelissero reports that the NFL informed clubs it is projecting a 2026 salary cap of $301M to $305M per club. Baltimore has 22 unrestricted free agents, according to Over The Cap, with big names like Tyler Linderbaum, Isaiah Likely, Kyle Van Noy, Dre'Mont Jones, Alohi Gilman, Chidobe Awuzie, and Ar'Darius Washington among those Eric DeCosta will evaluate.
DeCosta has ways to clear salary cap space, and Baltimore could look to make a big move or target a top-tier name who is interested in joining the league's top coaching staff.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens salary cap update: How much flexibility does Baltimore have?