The Baltimore Ravens’ offseason has been anything but quiet following their narrow 27-25 Divisional Round loss to the Buffalo Bills. Marlon Humphrey’s brutally honest comments about the team’s future have sparked conversations about his potential departure, while Brandon Stephens’ pending free agency has left a significant question mark in the secondary.
Amid this uncertainty, General Manager Eric DeCosta provided some clarity—or at least a glimmer of optimism—when discussing rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins.
The young defender, selected in the first round of last year’s draft, earned praise from DeCosta during his postseason media session, offering a look at how the Ravens might approach their cornerback situation moving forward.
DeCosta’s comments were glowing and direct: “We knew Nate was a great athlete, a great cover guy. He’s young, even when you look at him. He’s got a very bright future. We want to get him stronger. You’ve all seen his body. I think an offseason is going to really serve him well.” He added, “His future is unlimited. He can do some things that are very unique for his position. Everything is full speed ahead for him.”
"His Future is unlimited. He can do some things that are very unique for his position. Everything is full speed ahead for him." https://t.co/sUxOGhtOPC
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) January 22, 2025
Ravens are in good hands with Nate Wiggins
DeCosta’s high praise for Wiggins comes at a pivotal moment for the Ravens’ secondary. Humphrey’s hefty cap hit, coupled with his non-guaranteed salary in 2025, has put his future with the team in question. While the veteran corner remains one of the league’s best, the Ravens’ tight cap situation may force them to consider moving on.
Wiggins’ emergence could provide a cost-effective alternative. The rookie showed flashes of his potential throughout the season, demonstrating his elite athleticism and instincts in coverage. However, as DeCosta noted, Wiggins’ slight frame remains a work in progress. An offseason dedicated to bulking up and refining his technique could position him as a key player in the Ravens’ defensive plans next season.
Stephens’ looming free agency only amplifies the significance of DeCosta’s comments. If the Ravens opt not to retain Stephens (which they shouldn't), they’ll need Wiggins to step into a larger role alongside Kyle Hamilton and the rest of the secondary. DeCosta’s statement that “everything is full speed ahead for [Wiggins]” suggests confidence that he’s ready for the challenge.
While decisions about Humphrey and Stephens loom large, the Ravens have reason to be optimistic about their cornerback situation. Wiggins’ development and DeCosta’s clear confidence in his future suggest the Ravens are already preparing for a potential transition. If DeCosta’s assessment holds true, Wiggins might just be the next great Baltimore cornerback in a long line of defensive standouts.