Ravens ‘not ruling out’ a DeShon Elliott extension this offseason

The Baltimore Ravens have decisions to make on a number of important pending free agents this offseason. One of those players is safety DeShon Elliott.

Elliott has battled injuries throughout his NFL career, but when on the field, he’s proven to be a starting-caliber safety and an important part of the team’s defense.

With other needs and other free agents to re-sign, it’s unclear how aggressive the Ravens will be to bring Elliott back this offseason. But according to one report, they’re still exploring their options.

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reported on Monday (subscription required) that the Ravens “haven’t ruled out” an Elliott return in 2022 and that the coaching staff remains very high on him. That doesn’t mean he will return, but he has some support from inside the organization.

"“Ravens officials love Elliott and they’re not ruling out his return, but it’s long overdue for Baltimore to acquire a rangy free safety with strong ball and coverage skills.”"

The Ravens could still consider re-signing DeShon Elliott

A sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Elliott missed the entirety of his rookie season after suffering a fractured forearm, the first sign of what would become a worrying trend for the young safety in the NFL.

Elliott returned in 2019 and played just six games before a knee injury landed him on the injured reserve once again. The expectation was that Elliott would return in 2020 and serve as one of the team’s primary backup safeties.

However, those expectations were altered following the surprising departure of Earl Thomas in late August. Suddenly, Elliott was thrust into a starting role despite his lack of NFL experience.

To his credit, Elliott managed to exceed all expectations starting all 16 games and establishing himself as a bonafide starting-caliber safety. Hopes were high for Elliott entering the 2021 season now firmly solidified as a starter on defense.

The first couple of months were promising with Elliott playing some very productive football. That was until a torn biceps and pectoral muscle cut his season short and landed him on season-ending injured reserve for the third time in four years.

Elliott has played just 28 of a possible 65 games since entering the league in 2018 which is obviously a cause for concern with a player hitting the open market.

Third-round rookie Brandon Stephens stepped in and did an admirable job in place of the injured Elliott this past season, but the Ravens might prefer him as more of a third safety/matchup defensive back as opposed to a true starter.

It remains unclear what the future holds for DeShon Elliott and the Ravens. As for now, they’re keeping their options open and still considering his return.