Michael Pierce’s sudden retirement left a massive hole in the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive front. Many expected the team to address the need in the NFL Draft, and while they selected defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles in the sixth round, he isn't the Pierce replacement.
Now that his retirement is official after the June 1 deadline, Baltimore has already found his replacement. It was a classic late free agency move Ravens fans have grown accustomed to seeing. They moved quickly, signing veteran defensive tackle John Jenkins for the upcoming season.
Ravens' run-stopping reinforcements have arrived
Baltimore’s sturdy run defense was bound to take a hit after losing Big Mike. The 355-pounder anchored the team’s defensive line for seven of the eight years of his playing career, bringing innate instincts against the run. The torch will be passed to 25-year-old Travis Jones, but Jenkins brings the necessary experience to ensure a smooth transition.
Jenkins is a 12-year veteran who’s played for six different teams since entering the league in 2013. The former Georgia Bulldog will provide strength up front to help Baltimore’s run defense remain near the league's best in 2025.
He has also been a consistent down-to-down player over the past three years. Dating back to 2022, Jenkins has played in every game, which includes a 34-game starting streak with the Las Vegas Raiders from 2023 to 2024. While he may no longer be at the top of his game at age 35, he should be a reliable body that Baltimore can rotate into their defensive line this upcoming season.
In signing the veteran, Jenkins should help the rest of Baltimore’s young interior defensive line grow. Before the Jenkins signing, the oldest player within the group was 28-year-old Broderick Washington. Now, they will have a veteran leader.
Specifically, this move should benefit Jones and Peebles. For Jones, he brings a similar playstyle that Jenkins looks to offer. The pairing should help Jones reach his potential, as he hopes to make himself a household name in 2025.
Jenkins and Peebles also build a perfect duo coming off the bench. At Virginia Tech, Peebles was known for pressuring the quarterback with his burst off the line. Peebles possesses a slender frame at 6 feet tall and won’t see the field much in rushing situations. The pass-rush-focused rookie will let Jenkins take the field and help stuff the run. The two should play off each other well and allow the Ravens to use each of their talents to the best of their abilities.
It’s not a flashy signing, but it’s one Baltimore had to address before the 2025 season. As Zach Orr and the defense look to write a more successful chapter this year, Jenkins brings the experience and talent the Ravens need for another strong campaign.