The Baltimore Ravens’ offense has been electric last year. But let’s talk about what nobody was really saying out loud—the defense completely flipped the switch in the latter part of the season. Till Week 8, Baltimore’s defense was near the bottom in almost every category. But later, they sat at number one, ranking second in the NFL with 54 sacks and posting a plus-six turnover differential. So, no doubt, the defense stepped up and changed everything in 2024, leading the team into the playoffs. But this time, it seems different for John Harbaugh’s team, as the franchise got major disappointing news on Tuesday.

Just when things were finally looking steady for Baltimore, the injury bug showed up right before OTAs. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport on X, “#Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington, who was expected to play a key role in Baltimore’s defense next season, has torn his Achilles, the MRI has confirmed. The injury, which occurred during conditioning, will cause him to miss most or all of the 2025 season.”

So, just when things were finally clicking for Ar’Darius Washington, everything changed. He fought through years of injuries, stayed healthy in 2024, and proved he belonged. But then came the Achilles tear, a brutal one. Now he’s likely missing all of 2025. For a guy who was undrafted and worked his way into a starting role, that stings.

Washington stepped up when John Harbaugh’s Baltimore needed him. He helped shut down opposing offenses and looked like a real force out there. Last year, he racked up 64 total tackles and two interceptions (both of which are career highs). He was even graded among the top 10 safeties, as per PFF. That’s the reason he earned that $3.2 million tender, every bit of it. But now? It’s all on pause.

It stings, especially since John Harbaugh’s team’s defense was stacked with one of the best safety trios in the league, including Kyle Hamilton and rookie Malaki Starks. Now, they’ve got a big hole to fill, and it’s coming at the worst possible time. However, they are about to add someone to the defense.

John Harbaugh won’t sit idle, it seems

As per Ian Rapoport, “The #Ravens did draft Malaki Starks in the first round, providing depth and likely immediate impact in the secondary.” But safety Ar’Darius Washington’s exit will indeed hurt the team. Nevertheless, it’s most likely that John Harbaugh’s team will give Starks, the number 27 pick, a chance. So, all the best, Starks, for the future! But let us inform you, he isn’t the only addition for John Harbaugh in the D-line.

Harbaugh is trying to solve the issues in defense, and for this, he added another undrafted rookie. Yes! The HC has signed North Carolina pass rusher Kaimon Rucker. He spent four years grinding as a starter, piling up 22 career sacks, even landing at No. 6 in Tar Heels history. But his senior season took a hit after a cracked fibula ended things early and kept him off the radar during draft season.

However, Rucker gave it one more attempt at the Eagles‘ rookie minicamp, but likely in vain. Nevertheless, John Harbaugh’s Baltimore is giving him the chance he deserves. At 6’2″, 254 pounds, the kid’s built to fight. And to make room, the Ravens used an international exemption on David Ojabo, meaning he won’t count against the 90-man roster. So, yeah, Rucker’s road hasn’t been easy, but it just might be this time!