The Baltimore Ravens are in a tough spot heading into Week 5 of the 2025 campaign. Not only do they have a 1-3 record, but they are also dealing with a slew of injuries that could impact them moving forward. As a result, the front office is looking for reinforcements, but even that quest isn’t going according to plan.
On Tuesday, the Ravens brought veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks to town for a free agent visit, with the hope being that he could help shore up the middle of their defense. However, he ended up leaving town without a deal in place, and it doesn’t sound like anything will be getting done between the two sides anytime soon.
Eric Kendricks Declines Ravens’ Contract Offer
Week 4 was very nearly catastrophic for the Ravens. Not only did they lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, but several key players went down with injury. At linebacker, Roquan Smith picked up a hamstring strain that is expected to keep him off the field for a few weeks, and Kyle Van Noy missed his second straight game with a hamstring injury.
That led Baltimore’s front office to Kendricks, who spent the majority of the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery. Kendricks spent the 2024 season with the Dallas Cowboys, racking up 138 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, three pass deflections, and three fumbles forced. He’s been one of the most consistent middle linebackers over the course of his 10-year career, and he seemingly would be a good fit with the Ravens.
It wasn’t much of a surprise to see the team bring him to town for a free agent visit. It was a surprise, though, to see the team only offer him a spot on their practice squad, rather than signing him to their active roster. This did not fly with Kendricks, and he ended up turning down the Ravens’ offer, instead choosing to search for an opportunity to join another team’s active roster.
Eric Kendricks declined an offer to start out on Baltimore’s practice squad and is headed home this morning,” Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported in a post on X. “Offseason shoulder surgery kept him out, but he’s in peak shape now and determined to keep playing. He has 1,174 tackles over 10 years, including 138 last season.”
Ravens Still Looking for Help Ahead of Week 5 Action
GettyORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 07: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens yells down field against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
It seems pretty clear that the Ravens could use a tackling machine at the center of their defense, especially with Smith out for the time being. However, they must not be sold on Kendricks’ health, as it seems they would rather bring him in on their practice squad and ease him into the action, rather than immediately being thrown into the fire.
That’s not what Kendricks is looking for, so he opted to move on in his search for a new home in the NFL. That leaves Baltimore in a tough spot, and they may simply have to fill out their linebacker corps with internal candidates. The Ravens will be hoping to get their roster situation set before they take on the Houston Texans at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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