Eric DeCosta maneuvered another outstanding offseason for the Baltimore Ravens in the past several months. The team lost minimal talent, brought in experienced veterans to fill critical holes, and once again crushed it in the draft. There is an absolute overhaul of talent on this year’s roster, and many potential key contributors are not getting the hype they deserve.
One area where Baltimore had a near-complete reload was defensive back. They cut ties with players like Brandon Stephens and Marcus Williams, and added two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander and first-round safety Malaki Starks. Second-year pros Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa are also receiving a ton of praise as they continue their development to the NFL level. A signing that has gone under the radar, though, and should be an impactful player, is veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.
Chidobe Awuzie could be missing puzzle piece to 2025 Super Bowl run
The Ravens desperately needed corner depth after a disastrous 2024 campaign that saw them give up the second-most passing yards in the league. Awuzie comes in as the perfect signing, agreeing to a cheap one-year contract worth $1.255 million. The deal is incredibly low-risk, and it could pay off hugely for Baltimore as they gear up for the 2025 regular season.
The 30-year-old has eight years of experience under his belt and has proven himself to be a consistent starter. Through 94 career games, Awuzie has suited up with the starting defense for 81 of those contests. The Ravens could heavily rely on Alexander this year as their outside corner opposite of Wiggins, but with Alexander’s health concerns, Awuzie offers tremendous play as a backup.
It is worth noting that Awuzie has also been bitten by the injury bug in recent years, including a torn ACL, back injury, and groin injury. However, he does not have a worrisome recurring knee issue like Alexander. The former Green Bay Packer's knee problems started in 2024, when he tore his PCL in Week 8 and reaggravated it a week later, leading to surgery. Now, it seems the lingering injury has followed him to Baltimore.
Alexander had that knee operated on in early August, and while the team is working to have him back ready for Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, Awuzie could have his number called on in a big way early and often. He is a depth piece no one is talking about, and with his play in prior seasons, he should have a significant impact on Baltimore’s defense this year.