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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens offseason recap: Full list of roster transactions ahead of 2025 training camp
With the start of Ravens training camp just days away, we are examining every move Baltimore has made this offseason. Ravens rookies are just days away from entering the Under Armour Performance Center for the start of training camp and a hopeful Super Bowl run. During free agency, Baltimore added Cooper Rush and DeAndre Hopkins to the passing game, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on defense, and Jake Hummel to the special teams. The team is still in the midst of a Super Bowl window and has signed a talented and versatile 11-player NFL draft class, as well as 17 undrafted free agents. Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta made the most significant move of the off-season on the final day of minicamp, quietly coming to terms with Jaire Alexander on a one-year deal. With training camp set to kick off, we're recapping every off-season move. Signed WR Keith Kirkwood to a Reserve/Future contract. Kirkwood spent the 2024 season on the team's practice squad but did not play in a regular-season game. He originally signed with the Ravens after participating in the team's minicamp on a tryout basis last June. Kirkwood appeared in 13 games with four starts in 2023 for the Saints, catching five passes for 37 yards. He was also on the field for 89 special-teams snaps. Re-signed Ronnie Stanley Stanley played the entire 2024 regular season, answering some questions on his durability. He also has the high-end tape to get paid. Stanley tied for 11th among offensive tackles with a 92.5% pass block win rate in 2024. Released DB Arthur Maulet and S Marcus Williams The move to release Williams comes after he was benched midway through last season and was a healthy scratch from Week 12 on through the AFC divisional round loss to Buffalo. Williams struggled against the pass and allowed 18.4 yards per completion in coverage. Williams was a prize free agent signing ahead of the 2022 season and signed a five-year, $70 million deal. Signed free agent LB Jake Hummel Hummel played 77% of the Rams' special-teams snaps last season and 80% in 2023. The Ravens also needed more depth at linebacker behind Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson. Hummel played 74 defensive snaps last season and finished with a career-high 17 tackles. Re-signed unrestricted free agent FB Patrick Ricard Signed WR DeAndre Hopkins Of the 70 wide receivers who've had 500 targets since 2013, Hopkins has the fifth-lowest drop rate at 1.6%. Last season, the Ravens' wide receivers ranked 30th in the NFL with a 5.1% drop rate. Re-signed Ben Cleveland Re-signed WR Tylan Wallace Signed QB Cooper Rush Signed free agent CB Chidobe Awuzie The 29-year-old Awuzie is an eight-year veteran who has started 81 career games and is familiar with the AFC North. Awuzie played for the Cincinnati Bengals for three seasons from 2021 to 2023. His best season came in 2021, when he started a career-high 14 games and logged two interceptions, 64 tackles, and 14 passes defensed. He was Pro Football Focus's 23rd-highest graded cornerback. Re-signed S Ar'Darius Washington to a restricted free agent tender Washington saw action in 12 games last season and played a significant role in the Baltimore secondary, performing like one of the NFL's best after a dismal showing in the first seven to eight weeks. The tender is for a one-year contract worth $3.263 million. According to Over The Cap, a second-round tender would have cost $5.346 million. Washington finished with a career-high 64 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, one forced fumble, and five tackles for loss in 10 starts. Exercised S Kyle Hamilton's fifth-year option (through 2026) The Ravens exercised the fifth-year option on All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton ahead of the May 1 deadline. Hamilton was the youngest defensive starter named to the Pro Bowl, quickly emerging as the NFL's premier safety in his second season. Hamilton plays with poise and maturity while allowing new Ravens DC Zach Orr to implement a dynamic and versatile scheme with three safeties on the field. Last season, Hamilton had the second-highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of any safety in the league, trailing only Joseph and his league-leading nine interceptions. Hamilton is the NFL's only defensive back to post at least 100 tackles, an interception, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. 11-player draft class Round 1, Pick 27: S Malaki Starks - GeorgiaRound 2, Pick 59: EDGE Mike Green - MarshallRound 3, Pick 91: G Emery Jones Jr. - LSURound 4, Pick 129: LB Teddye Buchanan - CaliforniaRound 5, Pick 141: OT Carson Vinson - Alabama A&MRound 6, Pick 178: CB Bilhal Kone - Western MichiganRound 6, Pick 186: K Tyler Loop - ArizonaRound 6, Pick 203: WR LaJohntay Wester - ColoradoRound 6, Pick 210: DT Aeneas Peebles - Virginia TechRound 6, Pick 212: CB Robert Longerbeam - RutgersRound 7, Pick 243: G Garrett Dellinger - LSU After selecting Georgia safety Malaki Starks, Marshall edge rusher Mike Green, and LSU offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. over the first two days, the Ravens used Saturday to add two more offensive linemen, two cornerbacks, a defensive lineman, an inside linebacker, a wide receiver/return specialist, and a kicker. Signed 17 undrafted free agents RB Marcus MajorRB Sone Ntoh (waived)WR Jahmal BanksWR Xavier GuilloryWR Kisean JohnsonTE Sam PitzOT Gerad Christian-LichtenhamOT Reid HolskeyOT Ozzie HutchinsonOT Lucas ScottOL Jared PenningEdge Diwun BlackEdge Kaimon RuckerDL Nash HutmacherDL Jayson JonesLB Jay HigginsLB Chandler MartinCB Reuben LoweryS Keondre JacksonDB Desmond IgbinosunDB Keyon MartinDB Marquise RobinsonK John Hoyland Players to watch OLB Kaimon RuckerRucker played five seasons for the Tar Heels and had 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over his final two seasons. In only eight games last season, he had six sacks and eight tackles for loss, as injuries hampered him. An intriguing pass rusher, Rucker is 6-foot-1 and 254 pounds with 32 5/8-inch arms. He opted out of all athletic testing except the bench press, where he totaled 27 reps at 225 pounds. K John HoylandHoyland joins sixth-round pick Tyler Loop to add another rookie to the kicking competition as the Ravens seek to find their replacement for Justin Tucker. Hoyland connected on 79.3% of his field-goal attempts and 99.3% of his extra points during his five years at Wyoming. Hoyland was 15-of-19 on field goals during his final season. OT Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, Oregon StateChristian-Lichtenhan (6-8, 315) started all 12 games at left tackle for the Beavers, allowing just two sacks and being charged with one penalty on the year. ILB Jay Higgins, IowaAn All-American and All-Big 10 selection, Higgins (6-0, 224) started all 13 games in his final season with the Hawkeyes, totaling a team high 124 tackles (53 solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, nine passes defensed, and four interceptions. G Jared Penning, Northern IowaJared Penning, brother of former Saints first-round pick Trevor Penning, played multiple positions on the offensive line in 48 games at Northern Iowa. S Desmond Igbinosun, RutgersDuring his four seasons at Rutgers, Igbinosun (6-2, 223) accumulated 186 tackles (95 solo), including 15 tackles for loss and seven passes defensed. He's a teammate at Rutgers with Ravens sixth-round pick Robert Longerbeam. S Keondre Jackson, Illinois StateJackson (6-2, 207) appeared in 45 games (33 starts) at Illinois State, logging 225 tackles (116 solo), including 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, five interceptions (two returned for TDs), and 13 passes defensed. Jackson was named an FCS All-American by the Associated Press and first-team All-MVFC. Released K Justin Tucker Justin Tucker's career could be over after the NFL suspended the former Ravens kicker for the first 10 games of the upcoming season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension comes as Tucker faces allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior and misconduct. The league had previously traveled to Baltimore to interview massage therapists who had accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior, according to three women who participated in the inquiry. Signed T Joseph Noteboom The Baltimore Ravens added depth to the offensive line on Saturday, May 3, agreeing to a deal with former Rams offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom. Noteboom could flourish as a swing tackle while serving as Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten's primary backup. Noteboom could also compete for the left guard spot vacated by Patrick Mekari. Signed undrafted rookie free agents K John Hoyland, CB Keyon Martin and FB Lucas Scott On Monday, May 12, the Baltimore Ravens announced three roster moves, as the team signed kicker John Hoyland, offensive tackle Lucas Scott, and defensive back Keyon Martin. All three players are undrafted and participated in the rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Hoyland joins sixth-round pick Tyler Loop to add another rookie to the kicking competition as the Ravens seek to find their replacement for Justin Tucker. Hoyland connected on 79.3% of his field-goal attempts and 99.3% of his extra points during his five years at Wyoming. Hoyland was 15-of-19 on field goals during his final season. Scott played right guard and right tackle at Army but was recruited as a fullback/tight end. Army Head Coach Jeff Monken is the cousin of Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken. A more undersized cornerback who went undrafted, Martin ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and jumped 10 feet 4 inches in the broad with a 38-inch vertical, so his athleticism isn't a question. He is on the smaller side, standing just 5-foot-9 and 166 pounds, and could be better suited for the slot. Martin worked out for the Dolphins at the local pro day on April 11 and had interest from the Ravens before the NFL draft. The 5th-year senior had 56 tackles, six pass deflections, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles this past season. Signed undrafted rookie free agent OLB Kaimon Rucker Rucker played five seasons for the Tar Heels and had 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over his final two seasons. In only eight games last season, he had six sacks and eight tackles for loss, as injuries hampered him. An intriguing pass rusher, Rucker is 6-foot-1 and 254 pounds with 32 5/8-inch arms. He opted out of all athletic testing except the bench press, where he totaled 27 reps at 225 pounds. Signed RB Derrick Henry to a contract extension (through 2027) Henry has placed himself in a position to retire as the most excellent running back in Ravens franchise history. After weeks of waiting, Henry and Baltimore agreed on a new deal to keep him among the highest-paid people in his position and guarantee his presence on the roster for two more years. Henry agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal with $25 million guaranteed at signing. The $15 million average is the most for a running back over 30 years old, and it keeps Henry behind Saquon Barkley ($20M) and Christian McCaffrey ($19M) in average per year. Signed free agent DT John Jenkins Jenkins finished the 2024 season with 46 tackles (13 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and two pass breakups across 17 games with Las Vegas. Now 35 years old, Jenkins started all 17 games for the Raiders for the second straight season. Jenkins is a solid player who takes up space at 6-foot-3 and 327 pounds. Placed DT Michael Pierce on the Reserve/Retired list Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce announced his retirement on Wednesday, March 12, after eight seasons in the NFL, including seven with the Ravens. After going undrafted in 2018, Pierce developed into a solid run-stuffing defensive tackle, totaling 238 tackles over 59 career starts. In his seven seasons with the Ravens, the Baltimore defense finished in the top five against the run five times and was the No. 1-ranked run-stopping team last season. Signed WR Rashod Bateman to a contract extension After producing the best season of his career, Rashod Bateman signed a 3-year, $36.75 million contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens. The move comes nearly a year after the Ravens signed Bateman to a three-year contract extension eight days before the deadline for exercising his 5th-year option. Signed free agent CB Jaire Alexander In a move that can only be described as shocking, the Ravens agreed to a contract with former Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. The move comes hours after quarterback Lamar Jackson confirmed that he called his former college teammate and asked the Ravens to "go get him." Alexander has developed into an All-Pro cornerback, but during his time with the Louisville Cardinals, he developed a tight bond with MVP candidate and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Alexander has missed at least 10 games in three of his last four seasons, but he's still one of the best in the NFL when healthy.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking every Ravens position group by chance of making the 53-man roster
As we await the arrival of training camp, we're ranking every Ravens offensive position group by chance of making Baltimore's 53-man roster Baltimore Ravens rookies are just days away from entering the Under Armour Performance Center for the start of training camp and a hopeful Super Bowl run. During free agency, the Ravens added Cooper Rush and DeAndre Hopkins to the passing game, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on defense, and Jake Hummel to the special teams. The team is still in the midst of a Super Bowl window and has signed a talented and versatile 11-player NFL draft class, as well as 17 undrafted free agents. Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta made the most significant move of the off-season on the final day of minicamp, quietly coming to terms with Jaire Alexander on a one-year deal. With training camp set to kick off, we're ranking every Ravens offensive position group by chance of making the 53-man roster. QB --3 1: Lamar Jackson 2: Cooper Rush 3: Devin Leary Leading Baltimore to its second straight AFC North title, Jackson was first-team All-Pro and set career highs for passing yards (4,172), touchdown passes (41), quarterback rating (119.6), and completions (316). Baltimore signed former Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush as Lamar Jackson's backup. RB --5 1: Derrick Henry 2: Justice Hill 3: Keaton Mitchell 4: Rasheen Ali 5: Marcus Major (Undrafted free agent) The second most impressive free agent signing last spring, Henry had the second-most rushing yards in the NFL (1,783), only trailing Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley (2,005). Both players averaged 5.8 yards per carry this season. Henry's 14 rushing touchdowns were tied for the second-most in the league, only behind the Bills' James Cook (15). Justice Hill had 47 carries for 228 yards, 42 catches for 383 yards, and four total touchdowns. Major (5-11, 213) logged 1,185 yards and 11 touchdowns on 272 rushes (4.4 avg.) during his time at Minnesota and Oklahoma. FB --2 1: Patrick Ricard Lucas Scott WR --12 1: Zay Flowers 2: Rashod Bateman 3: DeAndre Hopkins 4: Devontez Walker 5: Tylan Wallace 6: LaJohntay Wester (Drafted rookie) 7: Keith Kirkwood 8: Anthony Miller 9: Dayton Wade 10: Malik Cunningham 11: Jahmal Banks (Undrafted Rookie) 12: Xavier Guillory (Undrafted Rookie) Zay Flowers made the Pro Bowl after logging 74 catches for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns. Rashod Bateman had his best NFL season, logging 45 catches for 756 yards and nine touchdowns. There was a drop-off after that, with Nelson Agholor logging 29 catches for 231 yards and two scores. So, Baltimore went out and added DeAndre Hopkins. TE --5 1: Mark Andrews 2: Isaiah Likely 3: Charlie Kolar 4: Zaire Mitchell-Paden 5: Sam Pitz After a slow start, Mark Andrews finished with 55 catches for 673 yards and 11 scores while Isaiah Likely had 42 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns. OL -- 17 1: Tyler Linderbaum 2: Ronnie Stanley 3: Roger Rosengarten 4: Daniel Faalele 5: Andrew Vorhees 6: Emery Jones 7: Ben Cleveland 8: Joe Noteboom 9: Nick Samac 10: Garrett Dellinger (Drafted Rookie) 11: Carson Vinson (Drafted Rookie) 12: Darrian Dalcourt 13: Corey Bullock 14: Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan (Undrafted Rookie) 15: Reid Holskey (Undrafted Rookie) 16: Ozzie Hutchinson (Undrafted Rookie) 17: Jared Penning (Undrafted Rookie) After losing three players from last season's unit, Baltimore's offensive line was supposed to take a big step back. After a slow start, this group played better and better. The athletic Lamar Jackson was sacked only 23 times this season, and the Ravens finished with 3,189 rushing yards as a team. The Ravens' offensive line produced a 13th-ranked 85.8 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating, allowing 145 pressures and just eight sacks on 539 pass plays this season. Tyler Linderbaum was the unit's best player, and his 82.5 PFF run-blocking grade ranked fourth among centers this season. Ronnie Stanley returns on a two-year deal, while Andrew Vorhees should be the starter at left guard.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens training camp preview: Quarterback
With July 22 fast approaching, we're examining the quarterback position as we kick off the Ravens Wire training camp previews. The Ravens were initially quiet in free agency, but after signing DeAndre Hopkins and retaining Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore's offense now has all the ingredients to make a deep playoff run while maintaining its reputation as one of the most explosive units in the NFL. Everything starts with quarterback Lamar Jackson, and the two-time MVP will again work to get his team deep into the playoffs and, most importantly, to a Super Bowl appearance. Even with the inactivity and loss of Brandon Stephens, Malik Harrison, Patrick Mekari, Josh Jones, and Chris Board, the team is still in the midst of a Super Bowl window and has 11 2025 NFL draft picks to help restock. The Ravens then shocked the NFL world, adding Jaire Alexander on the final day of mandatory minicamp, solidifying the top secondary in the league. With rookies reporting to the Under Armour Performance Center on Tuesday, we're previewing every position and starting at the quarterback spot. What's changed Josh Johnson is a free agent, and while he hasn't officially retired, he's unlikely to return after Baltimore agreed to a two-year deal with former Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush. QB Lamar Jackson Last season, the 28-year-old Jackson set career highs in touchdown passes (41), passing yards (4,172), and quarterback rating (119.6) while throwing just four interceptions. Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken is entering his third season coaching Jackson and expects the quarterback's growth to continue and reach another level as he enters the prime of his career. QB Cooper Rush Rush has won nine of 14 starts in his career, putting him near the top of the backup market. Last season, Rush replaced an injured Dak Prescott (hamstring) from Week 11 on, tossing 12 touchdowns and four interceptions while averaging only 6.1 yards per attempt. QB Devin Leary The Baltimore Ravens drafted Leary out of Kentucky in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft. He was subsequently cut in the preseason and signed to the practice squad. He did not see any action in the 2024 season, and last month, he was signed to a reserve/future contract.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cowboys Fans Marvel At Joe Milton 'Dime' Video While Questioning Dak Prescott
Cowboys Fans Marvel At Joe Milton 'Dime' Video While Questioning Dak Prescott originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FRISCO - In football, the most popular guy in town is always the backup quarterback. As Dallas Cowboys training camp approaches, Joe Milton is feeling that love now. Advertisement But how long will the feeling last? And what does being the new No. 2 QB, Joe Milton, have to do with posing a threat to the starting job of Dak Prescott? Fans who know how good Cooper Rush was filling in for Prescott are now giddy about the prospects of Milton. Some fans and analysts even predicted that the Cowboys would have a new starter this season. However, regarding Dallas' plan ... those fans and analysts are wrong. Much of the wild speculation is based on Prescott's nine seasons – good ones when healthy – vs. one single game by Milton. He starred in a meaningless regular-season finale for the New England Patriots in 2024, throwing and running for touchdowns. Advertisement At 25 and with dual-threat athleticism, Cowboys fans – and some media – immediately began singing Milton's praises this offseason. Some of the wildest rumors even predicted the Cowboys would trade Prescott to the Cleveland Browns and give the starting job to Milton before a single training-camp snap. Prescott is in the prime of his career. As the highest-paid player in NFL history, smart critics can agree it's time for him to deliver at the very least a winning playoff run. But is Milton threatening to take his job? Nope. But what about the marvel of these videos showing him running, spinning, backflipping and throwing a "dime"? Advertisement Politely ... Nope. The Cowboys signed Prescott to an extension through 2028 in September, making him the highest-paid quarterback in the game. There is an "escape hatch" after the 2027 season. Want a major change? You'll have to wait until then. Prescott is under immense pressure to stay healthy, perform as a top-10 quarterback and lead the Cowboys to multiple playoff wins this season. Highlights aside, "Bazooka" Milton is projected to have very little to do with that. Related: Cowboys' Dak Prescott Top 'X-Factor' In NFC East Race Related: Cowboys' Dak Prescott and Eagles' Jalen Hurts Predicted To Slide Behind Commanders QB Jayden Daniels in NFC East Race This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys' 'Bazooka Joe' Milton 3 Steps Away From Winning Dak Backup Job
Cowboys' 'Bazooka Joe' Milton 3 Steps Away From Winning Dak Backup Job originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In recent years, the Dallas Cowboys have developed a reputation for being relatively quiet during the offseason, a frustrating trend for fans. Advertisement However, in a move that surprised many in the NFL world, the Cowboys broke that trend by acquiring quarterback Joe Milton III, along with a 2025 seventh-round pick, in exchange for their 2025 fifth-round pick. It's a solid all-upside move with promise in terms of depth for the quarterback room. But can it be something more? Longtime backup Cooper Rush, who spent the past few seasons as Dak Prescott's primary No. 2, signed with the Baltimore Ravens to back up 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Meanwhile, former third-string QB Trey Lance - a failed experiment here - also made a move, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers to back up Justin Herbert. Advertisement With both gone, the No. 2 job in Dallas is now wide open between Joe Milton and Will Grier. ... and as our Mike Fisher reported here at weeks ago, second-year man Milton seemed to make his move toward second-string on the depth chart. The suggestion that Milton is emerging as the frontrunner for the role is the stuff dreams are made of. His rare blend of size at 6-5 and 240 pounds, with mobility, doing-backflips athleticism and an 85-yard-bomb rocket for an arm has left coaches and scouts thoroughly impressed with his physical traits. Some even argue Milton has one of the strongest arms in the entire league. Advertisement But with that arm strength and the rest come his three biggest flaws. 1 - Accuracy. Milton has developed a reputation for throwing what some may call 'the prettiest incompletions you'll ever see.' As pretty as his deep throws may look, the key question is whether he can consistently put them in the hands of his receivers. 2 - Inexperience. He was a late-round Patriots pick a year ago and got to play in one game. Watch Dallas feed him snaps in this summer's preseason games; he needs 'em all. 3 - Consistency. "Bazooka Joe'' is "exciting.'' But he's a long way from mastering the "boring'' ... That is to say, all of the same footwork and all of the same reads and all of the same motions ... over and over and over again until he knows it all by rote. Advertisement Even without those three things? Milton could be a helpful option to sit behind a veteran like Dak Prescott. But with those three things? Not only will he benefit from learning under Dak, but given Prescott's recent injury history, Milton could realistically be called upon for meaningful snaps in 2025. ... and he could succeed as something more than "upside promise.'' Get more from Hayden Pustejovsky here. Related: Dallas QB Prescott Earns 'Controversial' Low Ranking in NFC East Related: Cowboys' Aubrey Details 'No Guarantees' Contract Reality With Jerry Jones This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
