The Baltimore Ravens' defense has been trending up over the past five weeks. However, it's fair to be concerned about their defensive line, which has been a concern all year, especially after Nnamdi Madubuike's season-ending injury. Notably, the Ravens are giving up 121.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks 20th, and their 15 sacks ranks tied for third-worst. It's clear that general manager Eric DeCosta isn't satisfied with this unit either.
On Monday, Jordan Schultz reported that the Ravens were one of four teams that displayed interest in veteran defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. While Saunders signed with the New York Jets, Schultz's report shows that the Ravens are still looking to bolster their defensive line.
Veteran DT Khalen Saunders is expected to sign with the Jets, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 17, 2025
The two-time Super Bowl champion is the latest veteran addition in New York, where Aaron Glenn is working to the build the culture. pic.twitter.com/md7qlreepx
One player who the team displays a lack of confidence in is rookie Aeneas Peebles, who has yet to play since Week 5, being a healthy inactive each week. Now it's not all that uncommon for a sixth-round pick not to play much. Regardless, given how the Ravens have struggled up front, it's telling that Peebles hasn't seen the field.
Aeneas Peebles continues to be on thin ice
In Peebles' limited time on the field, he has recorded just a fine 60.7 grade, per Pro Football Focus. It's worth noting that in the five weeks since Peebles has been inactive, the Ravens' defense has looked much better. Baltimore hasn't given up 20 points in the past five weeks.
It would be foolish to suggest this is because Peebles isn't playing. The main factors have been getting some key starters healthy and moving Kyle Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage following the Alohi Gilman trade.
While the Ravens' defensive line has looked better during this stretch, it's still not great. As a result, for Peebles to be a healthy inactive despite the Ravens' lack of interior defensive production is concerning. They could definitely use his pass rush presence, an area of expertise for him, posting a 63.7 pass rush grade, per PFF.
At this point, it's unlikely that Peebles gets activated for the rest of the season, unless injuries occur. Peebles is an athletic defensive lineman who still has some upside, but his career isn't off to a great start.
Brent Urban, John Jenkins, and Travis Jones make up the Ravens' starting defensive line. The Ravens are activating just two backups behind them, which again reflects a clear lack of confidence in Peebles. The signing of veteran Taven Bryan to the 53-man roster shows this, and Baltimore's failed pursuit of Saunders is just the latest example.
Listen, Peebles is still young, and it's unfair to expect a sixth-round pick to immediately play a big role. Nevertheless, John Harbaugh doesn't trust Peebles' fit yet.