Baltimore, MD – July 6, 2025
The AFC just shifted. Quietly. Violently. And all it took was one name.
For months, the Ravens were one weapon away. They had the MVP quarterback. They had the king of power backs. They had everything—except the threat that kept defensive coordinators up at night. Now, they have it.
Baltimore has pulled off the stunner of the offseason, acquiring a former All-Pro wide receiver from Miami whose name once defined fear and vertical speed. His production dipped last season, sure. But the fire? The danger? Still very much alive. In a down year, he still recorded 81 catches, nearly 1,000 yards, and 6 touchdowns—while playing hurt all season. That wide receiver? Tyreek Hill.
His departure from Miami was brewing. Behind the scenes, tensions rose: a massive contract ballooning past $27 million, quiet frustrations about leadership, and whispers that he wanted another raise. The Dolphins saw the writing on the wall. Rather than let the window close on their terms, they chose to reset. Trade the name while it still carried weight. Save the $15 million. Rebuild around youth and speed. They called Baltimore—and Baltimore answered.
“He still pulls double coverage without touching the ball,” one Ravens coach said off-record. “That’s what we needed.”
With Lamar Jackson entering his prime and Derrick Henry still stiff-arming the laws of physics, Baltimore wasn’t rebuilding. They were reloading. And now, with a receiver who can stretch the field in a blink, this offense is suddenly unguardable. Blitz Lamar? He throws deep. Sit back? Henry devours you. Collapse inside? Tyreek is already gone.
The Ravens didn’t blink at the price. A first-rounder and a rotational defensive piece is what it took. Eric DeCosta has made bold moves before—Roquan Smith, Marcus Peters, Calais Campbell. This one? It might be his most daring.
For Miami, it stings. But it’s smart. They weren’t going to pay $52 million for a 32-year-old wideout in 2026. They still believe in Tagovailoa. They still have Waddle. But they knew—holding on too long is worse than letting go too soon.
As for Baltimore? They’re not waiting. Not hoping. They’re coming.
Stay tuned to ESPN.
