When Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce announced his retirement from the NFL on March 12, 2025, the decision came with a mixture of respect and concern. While Pierce’s choice to walk away from the game after eight impactful seasons was understood and admired, it also left a gaping hole in the heart of one of the NFL’s top defensive units.
Baltimore has long prided itself on defense, and a reliable nose tackle is essential for maintaining control in the trenches. The retirement of a key player like Pierce, who was instrumental in clogging running lanes and absorbing double teams, puts immediate pressure on the Ravens’ front office to respond. Whether through internal development, free agency, or the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, Baltimore is already on the clock to find a solution.
The Michael Pierce Legacy
Michael Pierce went undrafted in 2016 but quickly carved out a role with the Ravens. With his low center of gravity, powerful base, and 340-pound frame, Pierce became an anchor in Baltimore’s 3-4 defensive scheme. Over 70 career games with the Ravens, he totaled 244 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and countless pressures that never showed up on the stat sheet but disrupted offensive game plans.
Pierce’s performance during the 2024 season was a quiet masterclass in positional discipline and physicality. Baltimore’s defense finished top-five in rushing yards allowed per game (just 91.7), and Pierce was central to that success. His retirement, though not shocking given his recent string of injuries and time away from the game, means the Ravens must now move decisively.
Internal Candidate: Travis Jones
Perhaps the most natural option to replace Pierce is third-year defensive tackle Travis Jones. Drafted in the third round out of UConn in 2022, Jones was always seen as a developmental prospect with elite potential. Now, the opportunity to become a full-time starter has arrived.
In 2024, Jones quietly became a key rotational piece. He logged 39 tackles, 2 sacks, and a whopping 95.5% tackle efficiency, per Pro Football Focus. He showed particular promise in Week 15 against the Houston Texans, recording five pressures and several run stops in one of the best individual performances by a Ravens interior lineman that season.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 355 pounds, Jones possesses similar size to Pierce but with slightly more explosiveness. Coaches have praised his footwork and growing understanding of gap responsibilities. The coaching staff believes that with more reps and film work, Jones can not only fill Pierce’s shoes—but potentially exceed them.
Veteran Options in Free Agency
While Travis Jones is likely the frontrunner internally, Baltimore may opt to pair him with a veteran to ease the transition or rotate in obvious running situations. There are a few free agents who fit Baltimore’s defensive identity and could be signed on short-term deals.
1. Linval Joseph
The 35-year-old Joseph may be nearing the end of his career, but he brings two things the Ravens love: physicality and experience. Having played for multiple playoff contenders, including the Eagles and Bills, Joseph understands big-game pressure and the mental discipline required at the nose tackle position.
Joseph’s 2024 campaign saw him log 21 tackles in 12 games, along with a solid 80.6 PFF run defense grade. He’d offer stability and a mentor-like presence for the younger players like Jones and Broderick Washington.
2. Jonathan Hankins
Hankins, who played all 17 games for the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, remains one of the more underappreciated run-stuffers in the league. With 30 total tackles and a presence that allowed linebackers to roam free, Hankins could bring a seamless transition to Baltimore’s defensive front.
A one-year, incentive-laden deal could be enticing for both sides, especially given Hankins’ durable track record and proven production.
3. Calais Campbell
The familiar name that Ravens fans are watching closely is Calais Campbell. Though he primarily played as a 3-technique in his most recent seasons, Campbell has played every position along the line. At age 39, Campbell is considering a return, with reported interest from the Ravens, Dolphins, and possibly retirement.
If Baltimore can convince Campbell to re-sign, even in a rotational role, it would be a massive win. His leadership, locker room presence, and film study habits would accelerate the development of Travis Jones and any rookie added to the mix.
NFL Draft: An Opportunity to Reload
With 11 total draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Baltimore has plenty of ammo to address the defensive line. Even if Jones is the long-term answer, depth is crucial, especially when facing run-heavy teams like the Steelers, Titans, and Browns.
1. Kenneth Grant – Michigan
Projected as a late first- or early second-round pick, Kenneth Grant might be a dream fit in Baltimore. At 6-foot-3 and 340 pounds, Grant is a rare blend of mass and mobility. His tape from Michigan shows him routinely overwhelming centers and guards with his bull rush and short-area quickness.
He tallied 48 tackles, 4 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss in 2024. Scouts praise his gap discipline and ability to disrupt both zone and power running schemes. If Grant slips into the Ravens’ range, expect serious interest.
2. Warren Brinson – Georgia
Brinson may not be a household name, but he has serious tools. In his final year with Georgia, Brinson posted 26 tackles and 2 sacks while splitting reps with fellow NFL-caliber defenders. His power and leverage pop on tape, and the Ravens have a strong history of drafting SEC linemen
