Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens may very well play himself out of Baltimore if he has another strong season.
Stephens was one of last year's breakout players for the Ravens, as he successfully made the switch from safety to cornerback. Stephens was frequently targeted by opposing quarterbacks, but allowed just an 80 passer rating, broke up 11 passes, and hauled in two interceptions.
Now Stephens is looking to build upon a career year, especially with free agency looming in 2025.
The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec had previously reported that Stephens was quietly having a strong training camp, even amid the Ravens' deep, talented secondary. Zrebeic said that another strong season from Stephens will make him a "rich young man."
Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta seemed to acknowledge as much while speaking to reporters last week. The Ravens have limited cap room, and Stephens is excelling at a highly paid 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."
It may be tough for the Ravens to afford Stephens. DeCosta had already said that the Ravens will need to make some moves to be "cap compliant" and give themselves financial wiggle room to make trades this season. The Ravens on Monday restructured linebacker Roquan Smith's deal, but more moves may be necessary.
As Zrebiec recently noted, Stephens' agent, David Mulugheta of Athletes First, represents some of the highest-paid defensive backs in the NFL. And Stephens' counterpart is Marlon Humphrey, who is the fifth-highest-paid cornerback in average annual salary. So, there is a baseline for Stephens get paid.
Some think that the Ravens have already prepared for Stephens' departure by drafting Nate Wiggins (first round) and T.J. Tampa (fourth round) in this year's draft. Wiggins certainly looked the part of a starting cornerback in his first preseason action, though the regular season will be a bigger test.
As seen with the Ravens' offensive line this offseason, Baltimore is willing to let expensive free agents walk to draft and develop other players. Stephens, however, is only 26, meaning he's just hitting the peak of his career: it may make more sense for the Ravens to invest in such a player (at an important position) than to gamble on trying to replace him.
In a year where the Ravens seem to have a Super-Bowl-or-bust mentality, they'll benefit immensely if Stephens makes another leap. Such a leap may also mark the end of his time in Baltimore.
