The Baltimore Ravens have had a relatively quiet start to free agency. Aside from re-signing key players, their biggest splash has been bringing in DeAndre Hopkins. Now, they’ve arguably made their second-best move of the offseason—and it’s a complete steal.
Baltimore has agreed to a one-year deal with veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. He’ll be playing on a veteran minimum contract thanks to the Tennessee Titans, who cut him just one year into a three-year, $36 million deal, and are still paying him $7.5 million. Talk about a win-win for the Ravens.
Since he was released, his signing also won't count against Eric DeCosta's highly coveted compensatory pick formula either. Win-win-win.
We have agreed to terms with CB Chidobe Awuzie on a one-year contract! pic.twitter.com/enIi7BcHS6
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 25, 2025
Awuzie, a 2017 second-round pick by the Cowboys, is entering his ninth NFL season. He’s looking to bounce back after a forgettable stint in Tennessee, where injuries once again limited his impact.
Chidobe Awuzie is the ultimate low-risk, high-reward signing for Baltimore
Awuzie returns to the AFC North, where his career really took off. After four years in Dallas, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021 and played his best football before tearing his ACL midway through the 2022 season.
Even after that setback, he worked his way back into the Bengals’ starting lineup in 2023 and played well enough to earn a big-money deal from the Titans. But in classic Titans fashion, they jumped the gun. Awuzie struggled with a groin injury, appeared in just eight games, and was released this offseason. His final stat line in Tennessee: 26 tackles, four pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble—and $7.5 million still on the books.
Pro Football Focus gave him a 64.4 grade last season, which ranked 91st out of 222 cornerbacks. Not elite, but not unplayable, especially for the veteran minimum.
In Baltimore, Awuzie will have a real shot to compete for playing time. After Brandon Stephens left for the New York Jets, and Arthur Maulet was released, this fills a glaring hole in their secondary.
He’ll likely battle Jalyn Armour-Davis and second-year unknown T.J. Tampa for the starting job opposite first-round pick Nate Wiggins. With Marlon Humphrey expected to stay in the slot, there’s a clear opportunity on the outside.
The Ravens are betting on a bounce-back. And if Awuzie can stay healthy, they might’ve just added a proven AFC North starter for pennies on the dollar, while Tennessee picks up the tab. Thanks, Titans.