The Baltimore Ravens have built one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses by stacking talent at every level. But if there’s one thing this team can’t get enough of, it’s versatility in the secondary. Kyle Hamilton is the household name, but Ar'Darius Washington was the name that surprised a lot of fans. His late-season play was instrumental to the defense's turnaround. However, can the Ravens really rely on Washington to be Hamilton's running mate moving forward? No offense to Washington, but it's a legitimate question.
With free agency approaching quickly, there’s a name on the market that could transform this Ravens' secondary into the most frightening in the league.
Enter Talanoa Hufanga. The San Francisco 49ers safety is set to hit free agency, and according to Kristopher Knox at Bleacher Report, Baltimore should be one of the top teams in the mix. A first-team All-Pro in 2022, Hufanga brings speed, physicality, and elite instincts. He’s coming off back-to-back injury-plagued seasons, but if healthy, he’d be a perfect fit in Baltimore’s defense alongside Kyle Hamilton.
Knox put it plainly: “The list of teams that wouldn't benefit from adding Hufanga is quite short. The Ravens should be near the list of teams interested in adding him. Baltimore had typically used a three-safety rotation in its secondary but lost Geno Stone last offseason and benched Marcus Williams late in 2024. Partnering Hufanga with standout Kyle Hamilton could create a nightmare for opposing offenses.”
The thought of a Hufanga-Hamilton duo flying around the field is exactly the kind of terrifying energy Baltimore needs to maintain its defensive dominance.
Talanoa Hufanga could make Baltimore’s defense even scarier
Hufanga at his best is a game-changer. In his breakout 2022 season, he tallied four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and five tackles for loss while proving to be one of the most instinctive safeties in football. He’s a tone-setter, a playmaker, and the kind of player who would fit perfectly in Baltimore’s defensive scheme.
Of course, there are risks. The 26-year-old suffered a torn ACL in 2023 and then battled wrist injuries last season, limiting him to just five games. But this is the kind of calculated gamble the Ravens excel at. If Hufanga returns to form, he could be the perfect complement to Hamilton, allowing Baltimore to disguise coverages, send pressure from different angles, and keep opposing offenses confused all game long.
The Ravens’ defense doesn’t need a major overhaul, but they do need to keep evolving and getting better. Adding a player like Hufanga would do exactly that. Their secondary was the reason they started the season off poorly and was also the reason it ended prematurely. If Baltimore is serious about getting the most out of its defense, this move should definitely be something the team explores.