The Baltimore Ravens have watched their roster get picked apart in free agency. They are losing more talent by the day, and much of that talent has resided on the special teams unit.
Their biggest loss from that group is obviously punter Jordan Stout. Stout broke out last year and rightfully signed a deal to become the league’s highest-paid punter. Unfortunately, that was with John Harbaugh’s New York Giants. In an under-the-radar move, Baltimore also lost key specialist Jake Hummel to the Houston Texans. Most recently, it was wide receiver Tylan Wallace packing his bags to join the Cleveland Browns.
It’s been quite clear that new head coach Jesse Minter doesn’t prioritize special teams as Harbaugh did. That’s been hard to miss. However, it’s a unit they need to address. Recently released wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge could be the perfect replacement for Wallace and Hummel.
Baltimore Ravens could make seamless change from Tylan Wallace to KhaDarel Hodge
The Atlanta Falcons released Hodge on March 9 after he failed a physical due to a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 15 of the 2025 campaign. He should be ready to go come time for 2026, though, making him a logical fit for the Ravens.
Hodge wouldn’t be a difference maker as a wideout. He’s been an end-of-the-depth-chart contributor, as he only has a high of 14 receptions and 232 yards across his eight-year career. However, just as Wallace has been leaned on for his special teams play for most of his career, Hodge has been a playmaker in that area. Except Hodge has been even better.
Hodge earned his first and only career Pro Bowl nod with the Falcons in 2024. He’s an elite gunner, coming up big in punt coverage with critical tackles, while also having a role in kick coverage. He’s pretty much specialized in that spot since entering the NFL in 2018. That’s the type of trusted veteran that any team should want playing on their team.
While Hodge doesn’t bring returner versatility like Wallace does, the Ravens don’t need that from him. They should have 2025 sixth-round pick LaJohntay Wester continuing to take strides in that role this upcoming season. With Wester holding it down there, adding Hodge would help rebuild the punt and kick coverage units that have taken a hit this offseason.
The 31-year-old would also pair really nicely with safety Keondre Jackson, who rose to the occasion as a reliable gunner in his rookie year. As Jackson readies for his second season, pairing him with a proven veteran like Hodge would build a formidable gunner duo.
After losing all that talent in free agency, the Ravens should look to piece the special teams group back together to make life easier for new special teams coordinator Anthony Levine. Adding Hodge would certainly build a stronger group in 2026.