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Jonas Shaffer

Jonas

Jonas Shaffer joined the staff of The Baltimore Banner in January 2023 as a Ravens beat reporter. He previously covered the team for The Baltimore Sun, where he first served as an editor and general-assignment reporter. He's also worked for The Washington Post and Cape Cod Times. Jonas grew up in Silver Spring and graduated from the University of Maryland. He made it into Sports Illustrated at age 7 after the magazine ran a small wire photo of him, in his soccer gear, next to his mother. ("SOCCER MOMS: The ultimate bench warmers.") His athletic career peaked not long after.

The latest from Jonas Shaffer

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson works out before the Ravens' game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 7, 2024.
Diontae Johnson explains why he refused to enter game for Ravens: ‘Just wasn’t for me’
"I understand what you’re saying, but I’m not [going to] go in," Johnson said in an interview. "So I just sat on the bench, and that’s when they suspended me.”
Jun 25, 2025
Quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) takes questions from reporters on June 17 following the team’s mandatory minicamp.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson requested fully guaranteed deal, got little interest from NFL teams before 2023 extension, document shows
Before Jackson signed his deal, Eric DeCosta was preparing for the 2023 NFL draft “under the assumption that Mr. Jackson would no longer be playing for the Ravens."
Updated Jun 24, 2025
Newly signed Ravens cornerback Jaire Alexander (center) played 361 defensive snaps in seven games in 2024, limited by injuries.
What are the Ravens getting in Jaire Alexander? Here’s what his 2024 film showed.
Alexander has dealt with several injuries over the past two seasons, and they’ve affected more than just his coverage ability.
Jun 20, 2025
Lamar Jackson takes questions from reporters following the team’s mandatory minicamp Tuesday.
Lamar Jackson’s minicamp message to the Ravens front office? Go get Jaire Alexander
With former Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander now a free agent, Jackson is interested in roster building.
Jun 18, 2025
Devontez Walker caught only one pass last season, but it went for a 21-yard touchdown.
Ravens Q&A: Devontez Walker on his rookie year, lessons from DeAndre Hopkins and plans with Lamar Jackson
“If you know what to do, they’ll feel way more comfortable putting you out there. And I kind of saw that midyear last year,” Walker said.
Jun 13, 2025
Pass rush coach Chuck Smith defended Ravens coordinator Zach Orr on Wednesday.
Ravens assistant coach stands up for Zach Orr and appears to downplay contributions of Dean Pees
“I know last year, a lot of people ... were saying, ‘Well, this guy came in and helped.’ No, no. Zach Orr did it," Ravens pass rush coach Chuck Smith said.
Jun 11, 2025
Guard Andrew Vorhees takes questions from reporters following the Ravens’ organized team activities Tuesday.
‘Let them fight it out’: Ravens want to find a starter before season at left guard
“I believe in a starter,” George Warhop said of the Ravens’ plans at left guard, where Andrew Vorhees remains the favorite.
Jun 10, 2025
Defensive lineman Travis Jones walks onto the practice field during the team’s organized team activities on June 3.
Ravens OTAs: Defensive lineman Travis Jones embracing discomfort as he looks to fill Michael Pierce’s ‘big shoes’
“I’m trying to be more vocal, trying to help guys with little details, technique and stuff, just little things like that,” Jones said. “I got to get used to doing the uncomfortable things like speaking up more.”
Jun 9, 2025
Running back Keaton Mitchell played only five games in 2024, rushing 15 times for 30 yards.
Ravens OTAs: Keaton Mitchell hits a new gear in practice, and John Harbaugh comments on Lamar Jackson’s absence
After a disappointing 2024, Mitchell is getting back up to speed during organized team activities.
Jun 6, 2025
Ravens senior secondary coach Chuck Pagano’s last job was Chicago Bears defensive coordinator in 2020.
Ravens OTAs: Chuck Pagano has ‘deep, detailed’ answers upon return to coaching staff
“He had an answer for every single one of those guys,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr recalled Thursday, after the Ravens’ third open practice of organized team activities.
Jun 5, 2025
Wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) takes questions from reporters following the organized team activities Tuesday.
Ravens WR Zay Flowers focused on ‘real football,’ not flag football in Olympics; rookie Tyler Loop is on target early
“I’m just here to play tackle football. I ain’t really worried about going to the Olympics,” Flowers said.
Jun 3, 2025
Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh had 10 sacks last season and has 23 in his career.
How Odafe Oweh can add a new dimension to the Ravens’ pass rush — and power his way to a lucrative deal
Until this offseason, Odafe Oweh thought he had to choose between speed and power. He wanted speed.
Jun 2, 2025
Ravens tight end Mark Andrews pauses between drills Wednesday during organized team activities in Owings Mills.
Ravens practice report: Veterans turn up for voluntary OTAs
The Ravens had power in numbers, apparently driven to work by their latest playoff heartbreak.
May 28, 2025
Ravens coach John Harbaugh, left, watches the team’s first organized team activity session of the year Wednesday.
Ravens will ‘probably’ hold joint practices with Colts, Commanders in August
“We’ve just got to get the details worked out, but those are the ones we’re trying to set up right now,” coach John Harbaugh said.
May 28, 2025
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, smiles as he throws a pass during organized team activities at the Under Armour Performance Center on Wednesday.
QB Lamar Jackson participates in first open practice of Ravens OTAs
Jackson missed the majority of the Ravens’ OTAs last offseason and lost a $750,000 workout bonus.
May 28, 2025
John Tillman, shown here after winning his first national title with the Terps in 2017, returns to Foxborough in search of his third national championship this weekend.
Maryland’s John Tillman has set ‘the standard’ in men’s lacrosse. All he needed was a chance.
As the Terps prepare for their Final Four matchup with Syracuse, Tillman has become synonymous with the sport’s championship weekend.
May 23, 2025
Buzz Williams, center, will coach his first regular-season game for Maryland in Baltimore against Coppin State.
Maryland men’s basketball returning to Baltimore for season opener, will play Coppin State
Buzz Williams isn’t waiting long to take the Terps back to Baltimore.
May 21, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 27: Logan McNaney #30 of the Maryland Terrapins walks off the field after the NCAA Division I Mens Lacrosse Championship game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Lincoln Financial Field on May 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Maryland Terrapins 15-5.
In ‘rock fight,’ No. 2 Maryland men’s lacrosse beats Georgetown 9-6 to advance to Final Four
Maryland will face sixth-seeded Syracuse on Saturday in the semifinals at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
May 19, 2025
Nose tackle John Jenkins, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders, joined the Ravens on a one-year contract.
Ravens address defensive line depth, agree to terms with nose tackle John Jenkins
Jenkins finished third on the Raiders last year with 21 run stops, according to PFF.
May 17, 2025
Maryland men's lacrosse attackman Eric Spanos
He committed to Maryland lacrosse in 8th grade. Now he’s growing into a star.
Maryland native Eric Spanos is the leading scorer for a Terps team that’s a win away from another Final Four.
May 16, 2025
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