Ravens: What does DeShon Elliott’s injury mean for his future?

The Baltimore Ravens were hoping to see safety DeShon Elliott finish out the season strong and help the team continue their trek toward the postseason.

And as for Elliott, he was hoping for the same, especially in a contract year. Unfortunately, neither party will get their desired outcome.

Elliott suffered a torn pec and torn biceps in the team’s 34-31 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9, and as a result, he’s expected to miss the remainder of the season.

In the short-term, this is obviously a major blow to a Ravens defense that has had its struggles in recent games. But what does it mean for the long-term, both when it comes to Elliott and his potential future with the Ravens?

How does DeShon Elliott’s injury impact his future with the Ravens?

For starters, it’s important to factor in Elliott’s injury history when discussing any type of contract offers he might receive this offseason. This recent injury is just the latest in a long line of ailments that he’s suffered throughout his career.

Elliott missed his entire rookie season with a fractured forearm and played just six games in 2019 before landing on the injured reserve with a knee injury.

The 2020 season is when everything clicked for the former Texas standout. Thrust into a starting role following the release of Earl Thomas, Elliott exceeded any and all expectations.

Elliott had gone from oft-injured backup to a regular starter in the Ravens defense, and he was off to a hot start again in 2021. He missed some time earlier in the year with a quad injury but picked up right where he left off upon his return.

However, he’s now suffered his third season-ending injury in four seasons. That will undoubtedly be used against him in contract negotaitions.

Now, Elliott has seemingly made it clear that he wants more than anything to stay with the Ravens. But does that mean the Ravens will want him back?

For as good as Elliott has been, his skill set is a little redundant. The Ravens don’t have a true center-field safety, something that continues to hurt their defense from time to time.

If an opportunity presents itself to land a true free safety, perhaps a player like Jessie Bates or Justin Reid, the Ravens might consider an upgrade.

At the end of the day, I’d still expect Elliott to re-sign in the offseason. But his latest injury probably alters the structure of that deal.

Rather than the 3-4-year contract, it’s more likely Elliott gets some type of one-year prove-it deal. It wouldn’t be wise to invest in a multi-year contract given Elliott’s injury history.

DeShon Elliott’s future is a little less certain following yet another season-ending injury. Only time will tell if he ultimately returns to the Ravens or not.

But if both parties are interest, I’d expect a deal to get done.