The Baltimore Ravens have completely retooled their defense this offseason. It emphatically began with the hirings of Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver, and continued through free agency and the draft with additions like Trey Hendrickson, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Zion Young. In 2026, the unit should actually look lively and dominant.
Still, there might be room for maybe one more addition. If there is, it likely won’t be anything crazy—they’d be diving into the bargain bin. However, there may still be a need for veteran depth or a specialist.
Someone who could fill that need to a T is Chris Board. Board has spent five years of his career with the Ravens, which includes two stints. In 2025, he signed a two-year deal with the New York Giants but was cut this offseason and remains a free agent.
Could a third Ravens stint be in store for Board?
A Chris Board reunion could make some sense for Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are entering 2026 with their linebacker room pretty much set in stone. Roquan Smith is going to run it back as the top dog and lead communicator on defense, Teddye Buchanan will look to bounce back from injury and continue his hot start to his NFL career, and Trenton Simpson sounds ready to turn a corner under Jesse Minter. They also have Jay Higgins as depth, whose eyes might be set on a bigger role in year two.
However, that group is really only four deep. Other linebackers like Carl Jones, Reid Williford, and Dominic DeLuca have opportunities to prove their worth, but the team could use a veteran they can trust to give them 110% in training camp, preseason, and maybe even the regular season if they see fit. Chris Board could be that guy.
While Board was a John Harbaugh guy through and through, like many players, he has a bit of a relationship with Jesse Minter. The two crossed paths during Board’s first stint in Charm City from 2018 to 2020. That, paired with Board’s experience that he would bring to the Ravens’ linebacker room, could certainly tempt Minter and company to reunite with the 30-year-old.
And Baltimore could be intrigued by the thought of bringing in a special teams ace, too. They lost Jake Hummel in free agency, who was the team’s go-to guy for that unit last year, and they have yet to replace him. Now, an influx of snaps could be headed Higgins’ way, but that still means there are open snaps on special teams. Enter Chris Board?
Even if he doesn’t make the team coming out of preseason, it could still make sense to bring Board on…board. Veterans are important guys to have in the locker room, especially during training camp where a lot of young players are trying to figure things out. In a new era under an almost completely new coaching staff, the need for a player like Board is even more crucial.
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