Baltimore has a stacked roster and is one of the few teams capable of winning a Super Bowl over the next two or three years.
If this team remains elite with Lamar Jackson and his enormous contract on the books, there are looming financial decisions to be made. One financial decision will be the status of cornerback Brandon Stephens, considered one of the team’s top pending 2025 free agents.
During his recent press conference, GM Eric DeCosta reiterated the team’s plan to keep as much of its young talent as possible. Still, he acknowledged the challenge of paying an ascending guy at a premium position.
“Brandon had as good a year last year as anybody on the team, and I love his attitude,” DeCosta said. “Love how he just takes care of his business as a player, and I think he’s going to make another jump this year. Again, he’s a guy that we certainly want to keep here long term. It’s not without challenge. He plays a position where the best players are highly compensated, but we’ll do our best.”
"I admire so many things about @BSteve_1… and he's made himself one of the best corners in the NFL." pic.twitter.com/md3XPpOj8n
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 29, 2024
Stephens started 16 games at cornerback, and the converted safety logged two interceptions and a 65.5 grade in coverage.
He finished 21st among qualifying corners in coverage DVOA with 11 passes defended.
An extension would create $1,648,800 in cap space.
