On Friday, the Ravens extended a contract with veteran nose tackles for one year and $2.1 million. Here are some initial reactions by the Baltimore Beatdown staff.

Jenkins was a key signing made by Eric DeCosta in the offseason. The Ravens initially rated Jenkins as their No. He has moved up to the starting position and is playing some of his best football of his career at age 36. DeCosta’s decision to keep him on a one-year contract is a good move, given the uncertainty around Nnamdi madubuike and in general the 2026 defensive lines. Broderick Washington is a likely cap casualty. Only Travis Jones and Aeneas peebles are under contract for next year. (C.J. Okoye is also a free agent with exclusive rights that can be retained at a low cost. Jenkins’ experience as a defensive lineman in a season that was up and down has also been helpful. He has thoroughly enjoyed his stay in Baltimore. Both will continue into 2026. – Nikhil Mehta

I did not expect any further extensions before the season ended, but it is very welcome. John Jenkins exceeded my expectations in his role as Michael Pierce’s short-term replacement. In a future that is uncertain for Nnamdi Madubuike, it was important (and continues to be so) to keep the current IDL players around. Two important Ravens’ front-seven players will still be around in the coming year, with Travis Jones and Jenkins having both been extended. I expect a draft pick to be added in the early offseason. Mark Myers

John Jenkins deserves this unexpected extension. Jenkins was not a player I expected to see much of when the Ravens brought him on this offseason, after Michael Pierce retired. But he’s done a great job. Travis Jones has been able to excel at 3-tech, in the absence Nnamdi and Broderick. He has also earned his own contract extension. Baltimore will still need to address its defensive line in the offseason due to Jenkins’ age and Madubuike’s uncertain status. Washington could also be released. But Jenkins and Jones provide a good foundation to build on. Dustin Cox

This one was not on my radar, even though the Ravens had mentioned wanting to do a few more extensions before the end the season. It’s still a good move, considering the current state of the offensive line in 2026. Jenkins was a rock in the running game after Michael Pierce’s departure and did a bit better than expected at the pass rush. Addition of another player to complement the recently extended Travis Jones, is not a bad idea. Madubuike’s future still remains in doubt. This is a great start for the Ravens’ depth. They will need more talent at the top to jump into next season. – Zach Canter