Baltimore Ravens fans react to big trade and crucial departures

Baltimore Ravens fans have high expectations for their team, no matter who is on the roster. That's what it's like following a team that has been to the playoffs in six of the past eight seasons.

And, after making a big trade and losing some key players to free agency, the fans are not wavering on their Super Bowl aspirations.

"I mean, are we surprised about any of it?" Ravens fan Bonnie Bain said. "We're happy. I mean, change is gonna come, and hopefully that brings the Super Bowl championship."

Baltimore Ravens offseason

The offseason started with the Baltimore Ravens firing head coach John Harbaugh, who spent 18 years at the helm of the organization. Jesse Minter, who is known for defense, was hired.

The Baltimore Ravens recently made a splash in the trade market with the acquisition of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Many fans say this big move was necessary.

In arguably the biggest trade in franchise history, the Ravens sent two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders for edge rusher Maxx Crosby on Friday.

Fans say they hope a coach experienced in defense like Minter and the addition of Crosby will bring back the tough Ravens defense.

"The team still, it still has its grit. It just needs to tighten up a little more," Baltimore resident Devontae Stewart said.

Fans say they still plan to hold the star accountable.

"We love the names and everything that goes behind it, but we need action too," Bain added. "So, and we've seen a lot of those big names come, but we need the action to follow."

However, the Ravens are now seeing some of their own free agents bolt for bigger pay.

The free agency portion of the offseason is just getting underway, and on Monday, center Tyler Linderbaum, tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, and punter Jordan Stout are reportedly leaving Baltimore to sign with new teams.

Linderbaum, a former first-round draft pick and arguably the best free agent center on the market, is reportedly getting paid $27 per year over the next three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Likely, who had 15 touchdown catches in four seasons in Baltimore, reportedly is signing a three-year, $40 million deal to play for the New York Giants and former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who was hired in January.

"I was really surprised about Isaiah likely when I saw that today, so I don't know. I think it'll be interesting to watch," said Callie Hoover, from Federal Hill.

Stout, who had one of his best punting seasons in 2025, is reportedly signing with the Giants on a three-year, $12.3 million deal.

Kolar, known as a key contributor as a blocker, reportedly signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Despite the big move to get Crosby, some fans say they expect more from quarterback Lamar Jackson and the front office.

"I think the management, bro, that's where they need to upgrade at the man, the general manager, bro, he not doing his thing," Baltimore resident Naython Rollon said.

The contracts can't be signed until the free agency window opens Wednesday, March 11.

Ravens fans told WJZ they expected big moves, and are especially excited about Crosby, who is a two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl player with 69.5 sacks in seven seasons.

"I hope from my lips to somebody's God's ears, all these changes make good," Bain said.