7 safeties the Ravens could target in 2022 free agency
By Justin Fried
The Baltimore Ravens have a number of holes to address on defense this offseason. From pass rusher to the defensive line to cornerback, the Ravens will surely be in the market for plenty of defensive reinforcements.
But one position that shouldn’t be overlooked is safety. DeShon Elliott is set to hit free agency, and the Ravens might look to upgrade over the oft-injured safety, especially after another lost season in 2021.
The Ravens have been searching for a true free safety since the unexpected departure of Earl Thomas, and this offseason could be their opportunity to pair a player with that skill set with the returning Chuck Clark.
Let’s take a look at seven safeties Baltimore could look to target in free agency.
7. Ravens target: Malik Hooker
Not too long ago, Malik Hooker was viewed as one of the best young safeties in football and appeared to be a future All-Pro at the position. Unfortunately, injuries have decimated his career since.
A torn ACL suffered in 2017 cut his rookie season short while a torn Achilles sustained in early 2020 prematurely ended his career with the Indianapolis Colts. Despite possessing all the talent in the world, the Colts just couldn’t rely on him to be healthy.
Hooker spent the 2021 season as more of a backup with the Dallas Cowboys, and he did manage to play in 15 games, making three starts. He proved last season that, if healthy, he could still be a productive starter.
If the Ravens are going to have a young-ish safety on their roster, it might as well be a player who fits that center-field free safety role and possesses a high ceiling. Malik Hooker would be an upgrade over DeShon Elliott.