The Baltimore Ravens' roster had a sudden change with Hakeem Adeniji. He signed on June 24 but was placed on the reserve/retired list just one day later. This news came from the NFL's daily transaction wire. Adeniji was among several players who got a workout with the Ravens before being signed. Ravens OT Hakeem Adeniji, who they signed last week, has decided to retire from the NFL after six seasons, The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov wrote on his official X account on Sunday. Adeniji, 6-foot-4 and 302 pounds, played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. He started a career-high 9 games for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. "Ravens working out veteran offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji today, per a league source," NFL reporter Aaron Wilson wrote on his official X account on July 24. Adeniji has a history of always being ready for action when his team needs him. The Garland, Texas, native earned a starting job at offensive tackle for the Jayhawks as a freshman and started all 48 games he was on the roster over the next 4 seasons, becoming a 2-time All-Big 12 pick his last 2 seasons in 2018 and 2019. The Cincinnati Bengals made Adeniji a 6th-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he played his 1st 3 seasons there. Adeniji has played for Cowboys, Browns, Vikings, Bengals with 55 career games played, 16 starts. Adeniji understands and displays technique, but it tends to get sloppy when his footwork gets him behind in the rep. He was an imperfect fit in Kansas' move-oriented running game, but could compete for a roster spot in a man blocking scheme where he should be able to play with better control, consistency and push at the point of attack. His experience at tackle boosts his pass pro credentials if he's moved inside.
Baltimore’s offensive line reshuffled
The Ravens have been busy improving the offensive line. Players like Danny Pinter, Ethan Pocic, and John Simpson joined the team. Pocic quickly became a standout. He has started 97 games in his career and is set to compete for the starting center job. Additionally, the Ravens used their first-round pick to select Vega Ioane. Ioane is already settling into the right guard spot and is expected to start right away.
Changes under new OC Declan Doyle
The Ravens have a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle, and he is already making changes. Lamar Jackson no longer uses pistol or gun formations. Instead, he receives the ball directly from the center, similar to how he played in high school. Doyle said Jackson is performing well with this change. Jackson himself feels comfortable with the new approach.
Jackson's direct receive from the center makes having a strong center even more important. That is why the Ravens signed Pocic. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed that the center position remains in competition. However, Pocic's experience gives him an edge. The team's main goals include protecting Jackson and keeping the run game effective. Running back Derrick Henry has already addressed rumors about his future. He confirmed he is not retiring and plans to stay with the team for years to come.
Adeniji's unexpected departure could prompt the Ravens to bring in more depth at offensive line. The team is still building around proven players and adapting to the new offensive style under Doyle. With several moves already in place, the Ravens are preparing for the 2026 season and beyond.