The Baltimore Ravens have held opponents to under 20 points once this season. The team is heading into Week 8. For context, no team scored more than 24 points in a game during the first seven weeks of last season.
To say the defense is struggling would be a massive understatement.
It hasn't been all bad for the Ravens, who lead the league in rushing defense, only allowing 68.4 yards per game. While the ground defense has been getting it done, the same cannot be said for the secondary and the passing defense.
The team's pass defense is a disaster, giving up 287.1 yards per game and ranking dead last in the league. While trade rumors are in full effect ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline, Baltimore could opt for a cheaper option and sign a free agent to help with their struggles.
Enter former Buffalo Bills safety, Micah Hyde.
Ravens could snag former Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde as a cheap free-agent pickup
Ideally, the Ravens sign Hyde to a minimum deal, he finds his All-Pro form, strengthens the pass defense, and boosts a Super Bowl run. Realistically, he's probably not that guy anymore, but if Baltimore can get him for nothing, why not take a shot on the vet?
The Bills didn’t re-sign Hyde this offseason, and he hasn’t shown any interest in joining another team since. However, what if Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta convinced the 33-year-old to join the Flock for a Super Bowl run? Would he be willing to budge?
While he may have lost a step, Hyde still has all the tools the Ravens covet. Kyle Hamilton would still be able to play in or out of the box, allowing Hyde to play the 'center field' role he's been accustomed to throughout his career.
Micah Hyde is so stupid good at football. pic.twitter.com/9ReP6kjB46
— 𝐽𝐸𝑁 𝑀𝐴𝐶𝐾 🧀 (@BigMack_4) January 16, 2022
His addition could be a big value-add as the team gears up for a deep playoff run. Starting safety, Marcus Williams isn't cutting it. He's posting a 46.8 coverage grade according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). That ranks him 115th out of 140 eligible safeties - tough.
Last season saw Hyde posting a much better coverage grade of 67.2, ranking 57th out of 174 eligible players, according to PFF.
Micah Hyde has been one of the most versatile and consistent defensive backs in the league since he entered the NFL in 2013. His career stats reflect a player who can do it all - tackling, covering, and occasionally even blitzing. He’s recorded 24 interceptions over 11 seasons, showcasing his ball-hawking skills and awareness in the secondary.
His best years came in Buffalo, where he’s been a staple in the Bills’ defense since 2017, consistently starting and making plays in coverage. Even as he’s aged, Hyde remains a savvy, instinctual safety who understands how to position himself well, often turning potential completions into pass breakups.
Despite missing significant time in 2022 due to injury, he’s bounced back as a key leader on the defense. Hyde’s ability to read offenses and create turnovers makes him one of the most reliable safeties in the league.
At this point, Baltimore should be in "try anything and see what works" mode. Opposing QBs are slicing up this secondary with ease. Early on, it was easy to blame the loss of Mike MacDonald and Zach Orr’s inexperience in the role.
We are heading into Week 8. There are no more excuses why this defense can't stop opposing passing attacks. No one expects Hyde to fix everything, but it's tough to argue he'd be worse than the current situation.