From Weakness to Weapon: Ravens Look to Revamp Special Teams in 2025
The Baltimore Ravens’ season opener is just days away as they await their opportunity to enact some payback against the Buffalo Bills on the road, the same team that eliminated them last postseason. Baltimore is used to tightly contested games against top-tier opponents and rarely gets blown out, thanks in large part to the magical efforts of quarterback Lamar Jackson under center. The Ravens pride themselves on being able to stay competitive against elite teams, even when their backs are against the wall. However, in recent seasons, one area of the roster that had long been considered a strength since head coach John Harbaugh’s arrival suddenly showcased a glaring need for improvement: the special teams unit.
When you’re playing close games week in and week out, both in the regular season and playoffs, the performance of your special teams can often make or break how far a team advances. With Harbaugh’s background as a special teams coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1998 to 2006 before becoming the Ravens’ head coach, Baltimore’s special teams unit had long been a reliable factor in tight games. Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was the centerpiece, establishing himself as the undisputed GOAT at the position throughout his 13-year career in Charm City prior to being released this offseason. Alongside him, punter Sam Koch provided steady play, and together they formed a dynamic duo that set the standard for special teams excellence in Baltimore.
In the past couple of seasons, though, special teams became a weakness in close games against top teams like the Bills and Chiefs. This was most evident last year with the noticeable decline in Tucker’s consistency, as he posted a career-worst season, going 22-for-30 on field goals, a 73.3%, one of the lowest marks among starting kickers. Baltimore also struggled to generate impact on kick and punt returns, though wide receiver Tylan Wallace provided a spark with a pair of highlight punt returns in recent years. For a franchise that has long relied on special teams to be a difference-maker in clutch moments, this drop-off created serious concern.
As a result, special teams became a top priority for general manager Eric DeCosta this offseason. In the 2025 NFL Draft, he selected Arizona kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round, the first kicker ever drafted by the Ravens, tabbing him as Tucker’s successor. Loop validated the decision in preseason, making nine of his 11 attempts, including five of six from 50+ yards and a 61-yarder in the finale against Washington. Baltimore also added Colorado receiver LaJohntay Wester, whose speed and agility as a returner were on display when he took an 87-yard punt return to the house against the Colts in his preseason debut. With these additions, the Ravens demonstrated a clear focus on rebuilding a once-dominant phase of their team.
If that weren’t enough, Baltimore made another move this week, signing former Saints special teamer J.T. Gray after his surprising release from New Orleans. Gray is widely regarded as one of the league’s best, with three All-Pro selections, a Pro Bowl nod, 91 special teams tackles since 2019, which includes a career-high 26 in 2024, and two career blocked kicks. His addition signals Baltimore’s commitment to restoring dominance on special teams as they chase their first Super Bowl berth since 2012-13. With Gray, Loop, and Wester all in the fold, the Ravens have given themselves multiple options to strengthen an area that had started to crumble in recent years.
Looking ahead to the regular season, the spotlight will be on whether these changes can translate into consistent production when it matters most. The Ravens know that special teams play can swing a playoff game just as much as a defensive stand or a game-winning drive by Jackson. If Baltimore can turn its offseason investments into on-field success, the unit will once again become a weapon instead of a liability. That could ultimately be the difference in helping the Ravens achieve their lofty postseason goals.
