The Baltimore Ravens have done it again in 2025. After a poor defensive showing through the first five weeks of the NFL season, Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit is on a tear. They have held opposing offenses to under 20 points in each of their last four games. The shift all started when Baltimore acquired safety Alohi Gilman from the Los Angeles Chargers and moved All-Pro Kyle Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage, and it is paying off in a big way.
The group pulled off a similar transformation in 2024. After a horrendous first half, the Ravens moved Hamilton to deep safety and quickly became a top unit in the league late in the year.
That season, they inserted safety Ar’Darius Washington into the lineup in place of struggling veterans, Marcus Williams and Eddie Jackson. The pairing of Hamilton and Washington was electric, and while it looked like a trio of Hamilton, Washington, and rookie safety Malaki Starks was going to take over this year, Washington tore his Achilles tendon before the start of the regular season.
The tear was clean, though, which means Washington’s recovery should go by quicker, and Baltimore received some great news on Friday. The 26-year-old was seen working out on a side field at practice, and could be nearing a return to team activities.
Ravens could see Ar’Darius Washington return soon
Following Friday’s practice, Head Coach John Harbaugh provided an update on Washington’s status.
“The reports have been real positive talking to [Washington],” Harbaugh said. “He’s moving around really well; he feels good. This was the first week as far as getting on the grass and running around. He hasn’t been cleared to practice yet, but it seems like we’re getting close to that point. Hopefully, soon he’ll be out there practicing.”
The Ravens will likely take it slow with Washington. Achilles injuries, no matter how quick the recovery goes, will be handled carefully. The team also is not desperate for safety help with Hamilton, Gilman, Starks, and even undrafted rookie Keondre Jackson playing their parts extremely well. Still, Washington’s versatility is an aspect Baltimore can take advantage of down the stretch.
The former TCU standout enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024. He played in all 17 games last year, starting in 10 of them. In his increased opportunity, he intercepted two passes, batted away eight passes, forced a fumble, and tallied a sack. He also totaled 64 tackles, which was sixth on the team.
Washington earned an 80.3 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, for his efforts that year, which placed him eighth among 97 safeties. His coverage grade of 84.2 was fifth-best.
He may not see an abundance of chances down the stretch, but he can certainly make an impact. The Ravens already have all the safety help they need, but Washington can also be a key contributor at slot corner.
With so much depth in the secondary, Baltimore’s coaching staff can ease Washington back into things, while also benefiting from his strong play when he does touch the field. It may not be for a while, but with games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Green Bay Packers late in the year, the Ravens will need all the help they can get to sneak into the playoffs. Washington could play a significant role in that.