Baltimore Ravens Sign Safety Kendrick Lewis, Put Matt Elam on Notice

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates with free safety Kendrick Lewis (21) after making a sack for a safety during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens have (finally) signed a free agent that played with a different team last season, and it’s a defensive back. Safety Kendrick Lewis was a 16 game starter with the Houston Texans last season, recording 84 tackles, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles. He is also young at 26 and was a four year starter for the Kansas City Chiefs prior to his one year stint in Houston.

Lewis was largely unsuccessful as a Chief, sputtering out after recording six interceptions and three forced fumbles in his first two seasons. He had a nice bounce back in 2014, but struggled a bit in pass coverage. Lewis graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 39th best safety last year, behind Will Hill (14th), Jeromy Miles (23rd), and Darian Stewart (30th).

Kendrick Lewis should compete with Matt Elam for the starting strong safety position with Will Hill locked in at free safety. He provides some nice insurance with Terrence Brooks set to begin the season on PUP. It’s a nice veteran signing that is going to fly under the radar, but Lewis presents a huge upgrade at an area of weakness for the Ravens last season.

The biggest concerns, again, lie in Lewis’ pass coverage. He received a cumulative grade of -2.6 from PFF for his coverage last season, giving up 20 receptions on 33 targets (60.6%) for 252 yards, one touchdown, and a 69.3 rating. For comparisons sake, Matt Elam received a -17.3 grade after giving up 38 receptions on 53 targets (71.7%) for 500 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a 120.0 rating.

We have yet to find out the financials of Kendrick Lewis’ signing, but on paper this looks like a big win for Ozzie and the Ravens. While the team hasn’t quite given up on Matt Elam yet, they are going to finally make him earn his snaps after he was given far too many chances last season. Kendrick Lewis presents an upgrade and is very likely to help solidify the safety position heading into 2015.

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