Five Veteran Safeties the Baltimore Ravens Could Consider Signing After Ar’Darius Washington’s Departure.

The Baltimore Ravens, known for their hard-hitting defense and tenacious play, have long prided themselves on having a defense that can dominate on all levels. However, their secondary recently took a hit with the departure of Ar’Darius Washington. While the Ravens have made numerous adjustments to strengthen their roster in other areas, filling the void left by Washington’s departure remains a key focus. One position in particular that stands out as a potential area of improvement is safety. The safety position is integral to a defense that often plays a vital role in both pass coverage and run support, and with Washington’s absence, the Ravens are in need of experience and depth in the secondary.

In response, the Ravens could look to bring in a veteran safety to help solidify their defensive backfield. There are numerous experienced safeties available on the free-agent market who could provide immediate impact, both in terms of leadership and on-field play. Here are five veteran safeties the Baltimore Ravens could consider signing after the departure of Ar’Darius Washington:

1. Eric Reid – Free Agent

Eric Reid is one of the most experienced safeties available on the market, and his name remains relevant in discussions surrounding NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary. Reid, who has played for the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and most recently, the Philadelphia Eagles, has built a reputation as a hard-hitting, physical player with excellent coverage skills.

Reid has accumulated significant starting experience throughout his career, having appeared in over 90 games and making 60+ starts. He’s capable of both playing deep safety and closer to the line of scrimmage, where his physicality and tackling ability shine. The Ravens could benefit from his versatility, as Reid has proven himself to be an asset in both the passing and running game. In a Ravens defense that thrives on creating turnovers and playing physical, Reid’s style could fit in seamlessly.

While Reid has seen his play time diminish over the past few seasons, his experience and leadership could help stabilize a young secondary and provide mentorship to the team’s younger players. His ability to come in and contribute immediately could make him an attractive option for the Ravens.

2. Landon Collins – Free Agent

Landon Collins is another veteran safety who could significantly impact the Ravens’ defense if brought in. Known for his ability to cover both ground and tight ends, Collins has spent most of his career with the New York Giants before moving to the Washington Football Team (now Washington Commanders). Collins’ strong presence in the box and his ability to make plays near the line of scrimmage would suit the Ravens’ defense, which often asks its safeties to be aggressive in both coverage and run defense.

Collins is renowned for his versatility as a safety, capable of playing both free and strong safety positions. His aggressive nature and physical playstyle fit the Ravens’ identity as a hard-hitting, aggressive defense. He has also shown that he can make plays in the passing game, with multiple interceptions and pass breakups over the years. While Collins has battled injuries over the past few seasons, his talent when healthy is undeniable, and the Ravens could take a chance on him as a potential impact player for their secondary.

Additionally, Collins’ leadership experience would be crucial in helping a Ravens defense that has some young and developing pieces. His presence could make him a valuable asset to both the Ravens’ defense and the locker room.

3. Tashaun Gipson Sr. – Free Agent

Tashaun Gipson is a player who could bring both stability and depth to the Ravens’ secondary. A veteran of over 10 seasons in the NFL, Gipson has played for several teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, and most recently, the San Francisco 49ers. Known for his ball-hawking ability, Gipson has consistently delivered in terms of takeaways, with 27 interceptions in his career.

Gipson is known for his deep coverage skills, making him an ideal candidate to play free safety. He’s a player who understands the nuances of the game, and his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes has led to several key interceptions throughout his career. This kind of awareness would help provide additional coverage for the Ravens’ defense, which has often excelled when its secondary is capable of reading plays and forcing turnovers.

While Gipson is not as physically imposing as some other safeties, his intelligence and experience in the league make him a great addition to any team looking for a ball hawk in the backfield. The Ravens have a history of thriving with veteran players who have experience at multiple levels, and Gipson would be a smart addition to their defense.

4. Adrian Amos – Green Bay Packers (Pending Contract Negotiations)

Adrian Amos has been a key piece of the Green Bay Packers’ defense for several seasons, and his skill set would make him an excellent fit in Baltimore’s secondary. Known for his reliable tackling and coverage ability, Amos has been one of the most consistent safeties in the NFL over the past few years. His ability to cover the deep ball while also coming up to stop the run would be highly valuable in a Ravens defense that demands versatility from its safeties.

Amos brings excellent leadership and stability to any defense, and his high football IQ has earned him respect across the league. The Packers have built their defense around players like Amos, and he has excelled in both man-to-man and zone coverage. With the Ravens’ defense often utilizing a mix of both coverage schemes, Amos could seamlessly fit into their defensive structure.

Moreover, Amos is an established player who has a reputation for being reliable and staying healthy throughout the season. The Ravens could certainly benefit from his experience, and given the nature of the safety position, having a steady presence like Amos would help to avoid the ups and downs that come with younger, less experienced players.

5. Kenny Vaccaro – Free Agent

Kenny Vaccaro is a safety who has bounced around the league, having played for the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints. Vaccaro’s career has been marked by a combination of physicality and versatility. Although not as well-known as some of the top safeties in the league, Vaccaro has consistently been a reliable contributor on defense. He’s capable of playing both safety spots and has shown the ability to defend both in the box and in deeper coverage.

Vaccaro brings a veteran presence to any secondary, and while he’s not quite the ball hawk that some other veterans are, he’s a sure tackler with an ability to cover a lot of ground. His playstyle would complement the Ravens’ defensive strategy, particularly when it comes to stopping the run. Vaccaro’s ability to be a strong, physical presence at the line of scrimmage while also holding his own in pass coverage makes him a valuable asset to a defense like the Ravens’.

He also has significant experience in the postseason, which could provide the Ravens with leadership in high-stakes games. Vaccaro’s ability to adapt to different systems and play different roles on defense makes him an intriguing option for Baltimore.

The Ravens’ defense has long been one of the most feared in the NFL, and after losing Ar’Darius Washington, it’s clear that the team needs to look at bolstering their secondary. While younger players have the potential to step up, a veteran presence would provide valuable stability and leadership for a unit that often relies on experience in key moments. The players listed above—Eric Reid, Landon Collins, Tashaun Gipson, Adrian Amos, and Kenny Vaccaro—represent a diverse group of safeties who could all fill this role effectively.

Each of these players offers unique strengths, whether it’s Reid’s physicality, Collins’ versatility, Gipson’s ball-hawking skills, Amos’ leadership, or Vaccaro’s adaptability. All of them bring a level of experience that could help guide the Ravens’ defense through what will undoubtedly be a challenging season. By signing one of these veterans, the Ravens can not only fill the void left by Washington’s departure but also enhance their overall defensive strategy for the coming seasons.

Ultimately, the Ravens are in a strong position to make a playoff run in the AFC, but their secondary will need to remain strong and deep. Bringing in a veteran safety will provide depth, increase competitiveness, and ensure that the Ravens’ defense continues to perform at a high level as they chase another Super Bowl title.