Ar’Darius Washington played college football at TCU. The 2021 undrafted free-agent defensive back has worked to establish a role on the Baltimore defense. Washington suffered a season-ending foot injury as a rookie and was placed on injured reserve.
In 2022, the Ravens waived Washington and signed him to the practice squad, where he spent time until the season finale. Last season, Washington showed promise and looked like a potential starter before being placed on injured reserve after suffering a chest injury in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now, finally healthy and in year three, Washington’s presence at the safety position could save the Ravens’ season after Eddie Jackson (waived) and Marcus Williams (benched) lost their jobs and roles in the Baltimore defense.
On November 3, 2024, Washington recorded his first career interception against the Denver Broncos.
Roquan Smith on Ar’Darius Washington:
“The guy prepares like no other, and he just showed those bunnies on that play. I told him he has the best bunnies on the team, and he needs it for his height. But he’s a damn good player.” 😂 https://t.co/Pl7yMqWUpO
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) December 16, 2024
The Ravens’ defense has been one of the best in the league since Washington moved into the starting lineup. Fellow safety Marcus Williams is a healthy scratch for a second straight game.
Washington has played every defensive snap in the past four games, and the Ravens’ defense has taken a significant step forward since he joined the starting lineup. In his fourth season, Washington has a career-high 54 tackles and had his second career interception against the Giants on Sunday.
Washington has added toughness to the secondary, helping the defense eliminate the big plays it was allowing earlier this season.