Baltimore Ravens secure veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie with strategic signing that opens up draft flexibility and eases cornerback pressure for upcoming season.
In a move that has sent ripples throughout the NFL offseason, the Baltimore Ravens have made a significant signing by adding veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to their roster. The signing of Awuzie not only addresses a critical need in the Ravens’ secondary but also provides the team with increased flexibility heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his steady play, physicality, and leadership in the secondary, Awuzie’s addition will allow the Ravens to focus on other areas of need during the draft and give their defensive coordinator more options as they look to bolster an already potent defense.
The cornerback position has been a constant focus for the Ravens in recent seasons. With marquee players like Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey leading the way, Baltimore’s secondary has been consistently regarded as one of the most formidable in the league. However, with injuries, free agency departures, and other variables over the years, the Ravens have often found themselves in need of reinforcements to maintain the level of excellence they are known for.
Awuzie, who has spent the last few seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, brings a wealth of experience to the Ravens’ secondary. With his ability to play both outside and in the slot, Awuzie offers versatility and an added layer of depth to the cornerback unit. More importantly, the Ravens now have a reliable veteran presence in a position that is often one of the most volatile on a defense.
In this article, we’ll examine the strategic impact of Awuzie’s signing for the Ravens, how it changes the team’s draft strategy, and what it means for their defensive lineup heading into the 2025 NFL season.
Chidobe Awuzie: A Proven Commodity in the Secondary
Chidobe Awuzie, a second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and spent several seasons in the Lone Star State before joining the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. Over the years, Awuzie has built a reputation as a well-rounded cornerback with excellent coverage skills, solid tackling ability, and an awareness that makes him a valuable asset in a variety of defensive schemes.
His most productive years came in Cincinnati, where he was part of a Bengals defense that made its way to the AFC Championship game in 2021 and Super Bowl LVI in 2022. Awuzie’s leadership in the secondary was evident throughout the postseason run, as he consistently shut down opposing receivers and was a major factor in Cincinnati’s ability to contain high-powered offenses. His ability to disrupt passes, make key tackles, and play with poise under pressure makes him an ideal fit for a Baltimore defense known for its physicality and opportunistic nature.
Awuzie has consistently shown his ability to be a number-one cornerback, whether playing in a zone or man-to-man scheme. His athleticism and agility enable him to cover quick, shifty receivers, while his size and strength allow him to compete with bigger wideouts. Awuzie has also demonstrated an aptitude for making plays on the ball, recording multiple interceptions in key moments during his career.
For the Ravens, securing a cornerback of Awuzie’s caliber addresses a glaring need in their secondary. Although they have some talent at cornerback, the unit has faced a revolving door of injuries and personnel changes in recent seasons. Awuzie’s reliability and experience will provide the Ravens with a stable presence on the boundary, which is something the team can count on as they aim for another playoff run.
Strategic Signing: Flexibility for the Ravens
The signing of Awuzie is a clear indication that the Ravens are looking at the big picture. General Manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh have long been known for their ability to make smart, calculated decisions in both free agency and the draft. This move follows that blueprint perfectly, as it adds an important piece to the secondary without the team overcommitting financially or giving up valuable draft capital.
One of the primary benefits of bringing in a veteran like Awuzie is that it eases the pressure on the team’s front office heading into the draft. In recent years, the Ravens have often been forced to address cornerback early in the draft, but with Awuzie now in the fold, the team has more flexibility to focus on other areas of need—such as the offensive line, wide receiver, or defensive line.
This shift in focus is crucial for the Ravens. With the team already boasting a formidable pass rush and a talented linebacker corps, securing a solid cornerback like Awuzie allows the Ravens to avoid reaching for a cornerback early in the draft if they don’t believe the value is there. Instead, the team can now spend those early-round picks on players who can contribute right away in other positions of need, giving Baltimore a more well-rounded roster in the long run.
Additionally, the signing helps the Ravens with depth at the cornerback position. While Marlon Humphrey is still one of the top cornerbacks in the league, and Marcus Peters has been a staple in the Ravens’ secondary for years, both players have dealt with injuries throughout their careers. The addition of Awuzie ensures that the team isn’t relying too heavily on the health of their top corners. Having Awuzie as a proven option on the roster gives the Ravens more flexibility and depth as they head into the season with high expectations.
Cornerback Position: Depth and Competition
The Ravens have long had a strong tradition of excellent defensive play, and their cornerback unit has been no exception. Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters have been key players in Baltimore’s defense, but the position has often been vulnerable to injury and inconsistency. By bringing in Awuzie, the Ravens have strengthened this important position, creating more depth and competition as they prepare for the season.
Humphrey and Peters have both shown the ability to shut down opposing receivers, but injuries have limited their availability in recent years. Awuzie provides the Ravens with a reliable, durable option in the secondary, and his versatility to play in various schemes will only enhance the team’s flexibility. Whether it’s covering elite receivers, playing in nickel packages, or matching up against larger physical receivers, Awuzie can do it all.
In addition to providing a safety net for the top corners, Awuzie’s arrival creates an environment of competition within the cornerback room. While Humphrey and Peters will remain the clear top two corners, Awuzie’s presence means that there’s a reliable third option should the Ravens need it. This type of competition can only elevate the level of play among all corners, ensuring that the team’s secondary remains elite.
Moreover, this added depth could prove vital in the later stages of the season, when teams are battling through injuries and exhaustion. Having a fresh, capable corner like Awuzie can make a difference when it comes to containing opposing passing attacks in critical games, especially during the playoff stretch.
What This Means for the Ravens’ Draft Plans
With Awuzie now in the fold, the Ravens have significantly alleviated the pressure on their draft board. In previous years, the Ravens have often used their first-round pick to address the cornerback position, as evidenced by their selection of Marlon Humphrey in 2017 and the trade for Marcus Peters in 2019. This year, however, the signing of Awuzie gives them the flexibility to take a different approach.
The Ravens now have the luxury of considering the best player available, whether that’s an offensive weapon to complement quarterback Lamar Jackson, a defensive lineman to bolster the pass rush, or even an additional piece for the offensive line to help shore up protection. Without the need to reach for a cornerback, the Ravens can evaluate other positions with greater focus and depth.
Additionally, with the team boasting strong leadership in the secondary and a defensive coordinator in Mike Macdonald known for maximizing the talents of his defensive players, the Ravens will not be forced to make a hasty selection at cornerback, allowing them to instead invest in long-term solutions at other positions. The signing of Awuzie, therefore, becomes a key element in helping the Ravens build a championship-contending roster.
