The Baltimore Ravens are already taking a major hit before the pads even come on.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, safety Ar’Darius Washington tore his Achilles during conditioning and is expected to miss most—if not all—of the 2025 season. That’s a brutal blow for a player who quietly became one of the Ravens’ most important defenders down the stretch last year.
Washington stepped into the starting lineup midway through 2024 and helped flip the identity of Baltimore’s secondary. He replaced Marcus Williams, helped tighten the team’s back-end communication, and played a key role in Baltimore finishing top 10 in both yards and points allowed. He signed his restricted free agent tender this offseason to return on a one-year, $3.26 million deal—intended to be a value bet with some serious upside.
Washington was never the biggest or most noteworthy player on the roster, but he was dependable and physical, and made plays when the team needed him most. Last season's highlight has to be when he forced a fumble against Russell Wilson by smacking him into next week, essentially sealing the game.
Malaki Starks just went from luxury to necessity for Baltimore after Ar'Darius Washington injury
Washington was expected to be the starter next to Kyle Hamilton. And while second-year players Sanousi Kane and Beau Brade could make the leap, that role now likely falls to first-round pick Malaki Starks by default. Fortunately, he might already be ready.
Starks, the former Georgia star, was praised by general manager Eric DeCosta as “wired like a Raven.” His positional versatility, athletic range, and proven ball skills make him an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s system, and now he could be asked to contribute right away alongside Hamilton. That’s a tall order for a rookie, but it’s one the Ravens seem to be prepared for regardless.
Losing Washington is a massive blow to this defense and team. He was one of the few players in the secondary with the ability to play multiple roles, rotate down into the slot, or anchor the deep middle depending on the situation. He also provided a stabilizing presence that allowed Baltimore to disguise coverages and keep offenses guessing.
It’s a really unfortunate turn for a player who finally seemed to hit his stride. But at least Baltimore didn’t wait around. Drafting Starks was already viewed as a smart, forward-thinking move. Now, it might just be the pick that saves the Ravens’ secondary.