Ravens Bolster Offensive Line and Tight End Depth with Key Practice Squad Moves

As the Baltimore Ravens fine-tune their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the front office has made strategic additions to the practice squad, signaling a clear focus on depth and experience. On Tuesday, the team officially signed offensive tackle A.J. Arcuri and veteran tight end Nick Vannett, completing the initial practice squad. However, according to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Ravens are expected to further bolster their offensive line by adding veteran Chuma Edoga, who impressed during a workout on Wednesday, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

A Veteran Presence at Tight End

Nick Vannett, now 33, brings a wealth of experience to a Ravens tight end room that is otherwise young and unproven. His career has spanned nine teams, including stints with the New Orleans Saints from 2021 to 2022, where he crossed paths with current Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who was then an offensive assistant under Sean Payton. Doyle later became the Broncos' tight ends coach in 2023, and that familiarity likely played a pivotal role in Vannett's reunion with Baltimore.

The Ravens' tight end corps, featuring rookies Matt Hibner, Josh Cuevas, and practice squad member Ty Pezza, showed flashes as pass-catchers during the preseason but struggled in the run-blocking department. Vannett, a decade-long veteran known for his blocking prowess, addresses that weakness directly. Though he appeared in only 10 games last season—four with the Minnesota Vikings and six with the Los Angeles Rams—his 131 total snaps demonstrated his continued reliability as a blocker.

Offensive Line Reinforcements

A.J. Arcuri, a 29-year-old Michigan State product, was a seventh-round pick by the Rams in 2022. He saw action in eight games as a rookie, including a Week 12 start against the Kansas City Chiefs, and appeared in two games in 2024. While his regular-season experience is primarily at left tackle, Arcuri has also taken snaps at left guard and right tackle during preseason, showcasing his versatility. His familiarity with Sean McVay's system aligns perfectly with the Ravens' recent emphasis on adding players who fit their offensive line scheme.

Chuma Edoga, a seven-year veteran with 25 career starts, is expected to join the practice squad once the Ravens clear a roster spot. Edoga has started 12 games over the past three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (2023-2024) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2025). He has played every offensive line position except center, with the majority of his snaps coming at tackle. His experience could immediately make him the primary backup at right tackle behind Roger Rosengarten, potentially leapfrogging Gerad Lichtenhan, who showed promise but committed three penalties in a preseason game against the Vikings.

According to the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the addition of both Arcuri and Edoga suggests that Lichtenhan's roster spot could be in jeopardy. The Ravens may need to release a player or place one on injured reserve to make room for Edoga, and Lichtenhan—an undrafted free agent from Oregon State in 2025—might be the odd man out. Linebacker Carl Jones, who missed the preseason due to injury, could also be an IR candidate, which would open up another practice squad spot.

As the Ravens look to solidify their depth for a potential playoff run, these moves reflect a front office that values experience and scheme fit. With Vannett providing a reliable blocking presence at tight end and Edoga offering proven tackle depth, Baltimore is positioning itself to withstand the rigors of a long NFL season. Stay tuned to Vulius for continued coverage of the Ravens' roster moves and all things NFL.