Despite Major Secondary Additions, Ravens Still Grapple With Depth Questions and Injury Concerns Entering Crucial 2025 NFL Season
The Baltimore Ravens have long prided themselves on elite defense, and central to that identity is a dominant secondary that punishes quarterbacks, limits explosive plays, and turns defense into offense. In 2025, that tradition is once again being put to the test. After a disappointing end to the 2024 season in the AFC Championship Game, the Ravens prioritized their secondary in the offseason—adding both experience and youth—but major questions still linger about how it will all come together when it matters most.
Baltimore entered the offseason determined to reshape a defensive backfield that saw flashes of brilliance and moments of vulnerability. The loss of key contributors, combined with injury issues that plagued the unit last season, left no doubt: upgrades were necessary. General Manager Eric DeCosta responded aggressively, pulling off a mix of free-agent signings, mid-tier acquisitions, and draft picks that signaled a clear desire to overhaul the unit while maintaining its physical, aggressive identity.
One of the biggest additions was veteran cornerback Steven Nelson, formerly of the Houston Texans. Nelson, a proven cover man with years of starting experience, was brought in on a short-term deal to stabilize one side of the field. At age 32, Nelson isn’t a long-term solution, but he brings valuable leadership and a steady presence in man and zone coverage alike. His ability to play outside or in the slot gives Baltimore flexibility, especially given the health concerns surrounding Marlon Humphrey.
Humphrey, a cornerstone of the Ravens’ secondary since 2017, missed significant time in 2024 due to a lingering foot injury. Though he returned late in the year, he clearly wasn’t at full strength. Now entering 2025, questions remain about whether he can return to All-Pro form or if injuries have begun to take a permanent toll. The Ravens are cautiously optimistic, but their moves this offseason suggest they’re preparing for all scenarios—including one where Humphrey isn’t the same dominant force he once was.
In the draft, Baltimore used a second-round pick on Nate Wiggins, a speedy, rangy cornerback from Clemson with high upside. Wiggins impressed in rookie minicamp and OTAs, earning praise from coaches for his instincts and fluid movement. Though raw, he projects as a potential starter by midseason and could be the long-term answer on the outside. However, like most rookie corners, he’ll need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses. The Ravens hope to ease him in, but injuries could force their hand early.
Adding further depth, the team signed versatile defensive back Darnell Savage, formerly with the Green Bay Packers. Savage is expected to play a hybrid safety/nickel role, rotating with Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams depending on matchups. His arrival signals a shift in Baltimore’s philosophy toward positionless secondary play—a strategy that worked well in 2024 with Hamilton but demands high football IQ from everyone on the field. Savage brings speed, range, and experience, though inconsistency plagued him in Green Bay. If Baltimore can unlock his potential in a new system, it could be one of the offseason’s more underrated signings.
Yet despite the new faces and optimistic evaluations, uncertainty remains. The Ravens still lack proven depth at outside cornerback behind Humphrey and Nelson. Brandon Stephens, who stepped up in 2024 after switching back to corner, remains unsigned long-term and could depart in 2026 free agency. Ronald Darby, who provided steady veteran play, was not re-signed, leaving a leadership void among the backups. The lack of veteran depth is particularly concerning given Baltimore’s history of secondary injuries.
Moreover, while Kyle Hamilton has blossomed into one of the league’s premier safeties, the rest of the safety room lacks proven consistency. Marcus Williams missed multiple games last year due to a nagging pectoral injury and has yet to fully replicate the form he showed in New Orleans. His ball-hawking ability is a difference-maker when healthy, but availability has been an issue. With Geno Stone departing in free agency after a breakout season, the team is now relying heavily on Savage and unproven players like Ar’Darius Washington and rookie late-rounder Malik Mustapha to fill backup roles.
Hamilton, of course, is the glue holding the secondary together. At 6’4” with elite athleticism and instincts, he plays everywhere—from deep safety to slot corner to linebacker. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr, promoted this offseason after Mike Macdonald’s departure, is expected to continue utilizing Hamilton in creative ways. But such heavy reliance on one player carries risk. If Hamilton were to miss time, the secondary’s entire structure could falter. Having versatile pieces helps, but replacing a unicorn like Hamilton is simply not feasible.
Orr’s scheme adds another layer of intrigue. As a first-time coordinator, he inherits a complex defense and a unit in transition. His ability to seamlessly integrate the new pieces while maintaining Baltimore’s aggressive, turnover-focused identity will be crucial. Will he dial up blitzes with the same frequency as Macdonald? Will he keep safeties interchangeable or settle into more defined roles? The answers will shape how effective this secondary becomes in 2025.
Compounding the uncertainty is the fact that Baltimore will face a brutal slate of quarterbacks in 2025. Games against Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, and Justin Herbert will test the limits of any secondary—let alone one still building chemistry and recovering from injuries. The Ravens know that in today’s NFL, you don’t win without elite cornerback play. That’s why they invested, that’s why they drafted high, and that’s why they took a gamble on veterans who have something to prove.
It’s also worth noting that the Ravens’ pass rush—while strong—could affect the secondary’s success. Last year, the front seven finished top five in sacks, often masking deficiencies on the back end. But with Jadeveon Clowney still unsigned and questions about the development of Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, the pass rush may not be as dominant. A weaker pass rush puts more pressure on the secondary to hold up in coverage longer, exposing weaknesses in depth and communication.
The Ravens have built a reputation on defensive toughness, versatility, and depth. But 2025 will test all three pillars. They’ve added talent, yes, but talent alone doesn’t guarantee cohesion or production. Injuries, inexperience, and a brutal schedule could expose this group if things don’t click early.
Baltimore’s best-case scenario is that Humphrey returns to form, Nelson provides steady play, Wiggins matures quickly, and Hamilton continues his rise to superstardom. If all those things happen, this secondary could once again be one of the league’s best. But if injuries strike—or if the rookies falter under pressure—the defense could regress, putting even more pressure on Lamar Jackson and the offense to carry the load.
In the end, the Ravens did what smart franchises do: they identified a weakness and attacked it with layered solutions—free agents, draft picks, and scheme tweaks. But the NFL is unforgiving, and no unit faces more scrutiny in today’s pass-happy game than the secondary. Baltimore has the pieces to thrive, but whether those pieces fit together in time for a deep playoff run remains one of the season’s most critical storylines.
The spotlight will be on Orr, on Humphrey, on Wiggins, and on the entire defensive backfield. If the Ravens can find the right mix, they’ll be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. If not, they’ll be chasing shootouts and hoping Lamar can keep bailing them out. Either way, the 2025 season will reveal whether Baltimore’s secondary rebuild was masterful or merely a mirage.
