As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the Baltimore Ravens brace for a familiar face in a new, formidable role. Todd Monken, the architect behind the Ravens’ explosive offense for two seasons, has taken the reins as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. This pivotal move reshapes the AFC North rivalry, raising critical questions for both franchises. What can Baltimore truly anticipate from Monken’s revamped Browns? And how will key player projections and strategic free-agency moves position the Ravens for their 2026 season?
The 2026 NFL season promises significant shifts, especially within the fiercely competitive AFC North. Monken’s transition marks a fascinating coaching chess match, while the Ravens navigate player development, free agent pursuits, and the overarching goal of Super Bowl contention. This deep dive explores the multifaceted implications for the Ravens, offering an expert analysis of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Todd Monken’s New Era: Reshaping the Cleveland Browns
Todd Monken arrives in Cleveland with a monumental task: transforming a Browns offense that concluded the past season ranked 31st in the league. His two seasons as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator (2023-2024) saw the Ravens boast one of the NFL’s most dynamic attacks. Under his guidance, Lamar Jackson secured his second MVP award in 2024, enjoying his best professional season to date. This track record of offensive innovation and quarterback development brings a new sense of anticipation to Cleveland.
Monken inherits a quarterback room featuring veteran Deshaun Watson alongside 2025 draft picks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders started the final seven games of the previous season, showing glimpses of potential. Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey, a former teammate of Shedeur’s father Deion Sanders, is optimistic. Bailey lauded Monken as an “offensive genius,” expressing excitement to see his impact on a “true pocket passer” like Shedeur Sanders. He believes Sanders can flourish immensely once integrated into Monken’s intricate offensive scheme.
Beyond X’s and O’s, Monken is charged with instigating a crucial culture shift for a franchise steeped in a history of losing records. ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi highlighted Monken’s “intense, no-nonsense disposition” as a vital ingredient for this much-needed organizational transformation. Although ESPN’s Ben Solak gave Monken, one of the oldest first-time NFL head coaches at nearly 60, a “B” grade for the hire, he acknowledged Monken’s deep understanding of the AFC North and offensive acumen as invaluable assets. Monken is already bringing former Ravens OL coach George Warhop with him, underscoring his intent to build a staff with proven chemistry and expertise.
Defensive Uncertainty in Cleveland
While Monken focuses on offense and culture, the Browns’ defensive coordinator situation remains fluid. Cleveland boasts a stout defense, anchored by All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett. However, the return of DC Jim Schwartz, a finalist for the Browns’ head coach job, is far from guaranteed. Reports suggest Schwartz had indicated he would only remain with the team if offered the head coaching position. There’s a strong belief within the Browns’ organization that Schwartz will not return, regardless of his existing contract. This potential departure could add another layer of complexity to Monken’s initial tenure, forcing him to quickly identify and integrate a new defensive leader.
Baltimore Ravens: Player Projections and Free Agency Outlook for 2026
The focus now shifts to Baltimore. The Ravens face their own set of questions regarding player performance, future contracts, and strategic acquisitions for the 2026 season. Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano recently released his projection of the top 100 players for 2026, featuring four Ravens, with some rankings raising eyebrows among the fanbase.
Lamar Jackson, the two-time MVP, found himself at No. 16 on Manzano’s list, surprisingly outside the top 15. This lower ranking is largely attributed to a “rough 2025 season” where Jackson, at 29, grappled with a hamstring injury that limited his signature athleticism. His 2025 stats—2,549 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a career-low 349 rushing yards in 13 games—reflected a season where the Ravens’ offense struggled when Jackson hesitated to run. This projection sparks debate: Is it a temporary dip or the beginning of a decline for an athletic quarterback?
Other Ravens making Manzano’s prestigious list include Safety Kyle Hamilton at No. 13, Center Tyler Linderbaum at No. 41, and Running Back Derrick Henry at No. 67. These rankings highlight the core talent Baltimore boasts on both sides of the ball.
Free Agency Targets: Fortifying the Offensive Line
Pro Football Focus’s Bradley Locker identified a crucial area for the Ravens to address this offseason: the offensive guard position. Given Baltimore’s 26th-ranked guard grade in the past season, Locker recommends pursuing Pittsburgh Steelers veteran guard Isaac Seumalo in free agency. Seumalo, a 2024 Pro Bowl selection, offers valuable experience at both guard spots. His “terrific season” for the Steelers, marked by a 73.3 overall PFF grade and exceptional pass protection (only 20 pressures allowed with a 76.4 PFF pass-blocking grade), positions him as an “instant upgrade” over current options like Daniel Faalele or Andrew Vorhees. Securing a player of Seumalo’s caliber could significantly bolster Baltimore’s offensive line and protect their star quarterback.
Ravens Poised for a Leap: Breakout Candidates for 2026
Beyond external acquisitions, the Ravens will rely heavily on internal development. Following safety Malaki Starks being named PFF’s top breakout candidate, Ravens Wire’s Glenn Erby highlighted three other players poised for a significant leap in 2026:
OLB Mike Green: After a slow start, Green found his rhythm late last season. He played 713 snaps, recording 3.5 sacks, 19 pressures, and 14 quarterback hits, earning a 46.3 PFF grade. With new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter at the helm, Green’s production is anticipated to “jump tremendously.” His continued development could provide a vital boost to the Ravens’ pass rush.
RT Roger Rosengarten: Rosengarten earned a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team in 2024. After taking over as the starting right tackle in Week 4, he finished 39th at his position by PFF, allowing four sacks in 488 pass-blocking snaps. In 2025, his grade improved significantly to 76.4 (26th in the NFL) over 1,014 snaps, allowing only three sacks. His steady improvement positions him as a reliable anchor on the offensive line.
- WR Devontez Walker: Described as a “highlight reel,” Walker made an impact with six catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns on eight targets in 12 regular-season games in 2025. Five of his seven career catches have gone for over 20 yards, with his first three career receptions famously all resulting in touchdowns. The next offensive coordinator will be tasked with finding more snaps in key situations for this explosive pass catcher, maximizing his big-play potential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How will Todd Monken’s coaching philosophy impact the Cleveland Browns’ offense in 2026?
Todd Monken, known as an offensive genius, is expected to drastically revamp the Cleveland Browns’ offense. Having led the Ravens to an explosive, MVP-caliber season for Lamar Jackson, Monken will likely implement a sophisticated scheme that prioritizes quarterback development and strategic play-calling. His focus on maximizing individual talent, particularly with a “true pocket passer” like Shedeur Sanders, could lead to a significant improvement from their 31st-ranked offense. Beyond tactics, Monken’s “intense, no-nonsense disposition” is anticipated to instill a much-needed culture change within the Browns franchise.
Which Baltimore Ravens players are projected to make a significant leap or face challenges in the 2026 season?
Several Ravens players are poised for critical 2026 seasons. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, despite a “rough 2025” and a No. 16 projection by Sports Illustrated, will aim to rebound and demonstrate his athleticism hasn’t declined at 29. On defense, OLB Mike Green is expected to see a “tremendous jump” in production under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. On offense, RT Roger Rosengarten, after a strong 2025 season, looks to solidify his role, while WR Devontez Walker is a breakout candidate whose big-play ability could be further utilized by the next offensive coordinator.
Should the Ravens pursue free agent guard Isaac Seumalo, and what impact could he have on their offensive line?
Yes, the Ravens should strongly consider pursuing Pittsburgh Steelers veteran guard Isaac Seumalo in free agency. Pro Football Focus highlighted the Ravens’ 26th-ranked guard grade, emphasizing a critical need for improvement. Seumalo, a 2024 Pro Bowl selection with experience at both guard spots, had a “terrific season” for the Steelers, excelling in pass protection with a 76.4 PFF pass-blocking grade. Signing Seumalo would offer an “instant upgrade,” significantly bolstering the Ravens’ offensive line, providing better protection for Lamar Jackson, and enhancing their run game, which is crucial for their offensive identity.
Conclusion
The 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be one of both intrigue and pivotal change, particularly for the Baltimore Ravens and their AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns. Todd Monken’s move to head coach marks a new chapter for Cleveland, promising an offensive overhaul and a culture shift that Ravens fans will be watching closely. His past success with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore offers a glimpse into the potential potency of his Browns offense, especially if Shedeur Sanders flourishes under his tutelage.
For the Ravens, the focus remains on optimizing their roster. While Lamar Jackson’s 2026 player projection raises questions, the continued development of young stars like Mike Green, Roger Rosengarten, and Devontez Walker provides ample reason for optimism. Strategically targeting free agents like Isaac Seumalo could further solidify critical positions. The AFC North rivalry is set to intensify, and the Ravens’ ability to adapt to these shifts, both internal and external, will define their pursuit of championship contention in 2026. The stage is set for a thrilling season where familiar faces meet in new capacities, and the path to glory runs through an ever-competitive division.
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