The Baltimore Ravens could always use more talent, especially on the defensive side of the football. They just added a two-time Pro Bowler in cornerback Jaire Alexander, and the front office never ceases the search for new additions that could improve the team.
One position they could use another body at is linebacker. The team has an open competition for the second starting linebacker next to All-Pro Roquan Smith. Clemson product Trenton Simpson and rookie Teddye Buchanan have been duking it out this offseason, but the depth at the position is shallow.
Free agent signing Jake Hummel will contribute as a special teamer, and the undrafted rookie out of Iowa Jay Higgins is the only other linebacker getting any buzz. This situation could be linebacker Tavante Beckett’s chance to return to the league.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report listed five UFL players who deserve another shot in the NFL, and Beckett was among those listed. While he has not played in the game’s top league since 2021, he still has the makings to be an NFL-caliber player.
“His natural instincts, ability to seamlessly sift through trash and produce high tackle numbers are what it takes to play the position. A linebacker doesn't need 4.5-speed if he's breaking on the play as it develops. In Beckett's case, his natural feel for the position allowed him to lead the UFL last season with 89 total tackles,” Sobleski wrote.
Tavante Beckett could be the sneakiest signing of the offseason
Beckett wrapped up a phenomenal season with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL, and the 27-year-old could use that as leverage to get back into the league. Those league-leading 89 tackles in 10 games helped propel him to All-UFL Team honors, and it would not be a shock if that gets him noticed by a team this offseason.
Beckett stands at just 5-foot-10-inches and is not a terrific athlete. Where he excels, though, is intelligence and processing ability. Those traits reign supreme at linebacker. The Brahmas’ star would be a step or two behind most of his counterparts in the NFL, but his ability to hold down the middle of the field and make the play is why he is such an enticing UFL prospect.
The Ravens already have athletes with size at linebacker. Simpson has elite athleticism, and Buchanan flies to the football. Smith also has everything you can ask for in a linebacker, so the need for an athletic freak is not there. Baltimore can trade in some size if it brings a sharper mind to the linebacker group.
The Ravens could also use another veteran. After Smith, Hummel has the second-most experience with four seasons of play, but most of that has come on special teams. While Beckett has only played four games in the league, he has had experience as a starting linebacker for one year in the XFL and two years in the UFL following his NFL career. It might not be top-level experience, but the extra years around football could do wonders, especially for a group hinging on two young players contributing crucial snaps in 2025.
There are more talented NFL players on the free-agent market right now, namely Ja’Whaun Bentley and Eric Kendricks. However, if the Ravens opt to go the UFL route for another camp body, they should give Beckett a call.