Eric DeCosta confirms teams attempted to acquire talent from Ravens secondary

Eric DeCosta confirms teams attempted to acquire talent from Ravens secondary

The Ravens have one of the NFL’s deepest secondaries after drafting Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa and signing Eddie Jackson before training camp. With such depth, teams around the league are looking for a trade partner.

Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta said he received calls around cutdown day with teams interested in Baltimore’s secondary depth. DeCosta says he declined all deals, wanting to maintain extra bodies in an area where the team has struggled to keep players healthy.

“We’re strong in the secondary and we stayed strong,” DeCosta said.

https://Twitter.com/Ravens/status/1829151077708542215

The Ravens kept 11 defensive backs on the roster, with projected starting corners Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens backed by first-round rookie Nate Wiggins, rookie fourth-round pick T.J. Tampa, and returning players Jalyn Armour-Davis and Ar’Darius Washington. Veteran slot corner Arthur Maulet is starting on injured reserve after having an arthroscopic knee injury, but he’s eligible to return after Week 4.

At safety, the Ravens have starters Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams, with veteran Eddie Jackson and rookies Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade behind them.

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Ravens rookie safety Beau Brade learned he made the roster from GM Eric DeCosta

Beau Brade told the media that Eric DeCosta said to him “you’ve had a pretty good preseason,”

It’s a big deal whenever an undrafted free agent makes the 53-man roster.

When the team’s general manager himself delivers the news, in person, to that UDFA, it’s an even bigger deal.

On Friday, Ravens safety Beau Brade told reporters that Ravens GM Eric DeCosta approached him directly after Monday’s practice and said to him that he made the team.

Brade told the media that DeCosta told him, “You’ve had a pretty good preseason,” and then quickly added, “Congratulations, you’ve made the 53-man roster.”

The rookie then thanked and hugged DeCosta. Once he got home, the Clarksville, Maryland native immediately told his parents, and he said they cried tears of joy. 

“Dreams come true, but you gotta put the work in,” said Brade, who was a star at River Hill high school, and then later the University of Maryland.

He grew up a Ravens fan, dreaming of the opportunity to someday play for the club.

Now, his opportunity has arrived.

Coach John Harbaugh said he thinks it’s “pretty cool ” that Brade is a local school. He then added that he appreciates the Terps and the other local schools.

“He did it the hard way, he earned it,” Harbaugh said of Brade making the final cut.

“He made plays. I think he’s going to do very well.”

Ravens rookie DB Beau Brade switches jersey number

Baltimore Ravens rookie defensive back Beau Brade is switching uniform numbers ahead of the season opener vs. the Kansas City Chiefs

Beau Brade got from the muscle, going from a local undrafted free agent product to the Ravens’ 53-man roster and a potential role on a championship-caliber defense.

Brade can fill the alley on run plays or rush the quarterback as a Blitzer, and as the rookie prepares for a trip to Kansas City to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs, he’s switching jersey numbers.

Damarion Williams was waived, and after re-signing to the practice squad, Brade will move from No. 6 to No. 24.

Brade had an outstanding preseason, leading the Ravens in tackles with 19 total.  The former Maryland Terrapins safety is also a homegrown story. He grew up in Clarksville, MD, and attended River Hill High School.

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Eric DeCosta discusses how Beau Brade earned his roster spot

As was learned on Tuesday, Brade made the Ravens’ 53-man roster. That means a UDFA has made the roster in 20 out of the last 21 years.

Beau Brade is an easy guy for Baltimore Ravens fans to root for. The undrafted free agent rookie safety is a Clarksville, MD native who played his college ball at the University of Maryland.

As was learned on Tuesday, Brade made the Ravens’ 53-man roster. That means a UDFA has made the roster in 20 out of the last 21 years.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta met with the media on Thursday, and during his time at the microphone, he joked that had he been aware of the club’s UDFA streak, he would have kept one guy just to keep it going.

But Brade’s desire, motivation, and ambition are no laughing matter.

“That guy just really earned it,” DeCosta said of Brade.

“The Packers game, let’s face it, it was kind of a joke, it was hard to watch in a lot of ways, I couldn’t wait for it to be over, but the reality is that Beau played great, and he did consistently.

“He wanted the job, he took the job, and in the end he really deserved it.”

Brade is one of the Ravens’ most feel-good stories of the summer. DeCosta pointed out that the 31-7 preseason game loss at the Packers was not.

Ravens vs. Packers: Top photos from preseason finale at Lambeau Field

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field

It’s only the preseason, but the Ravens will head towards the 53-man roster cutdown date with a sour taste after a 30-7 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday afternoon. Josh Johnson was 5-7 for 71 yards and one passing touchdown, while Michael Pratt led Green Bay in passing, going 8-12 for 80 yards and one touchdown. The Packers were dominant on the ground, amassing 193 rushing yards, as Ellis Merriweather led all ball carriers with 16 yards for 74 yards. The Packers held the ball for nearly ten minutes longer than the Ravens and out-gained Baltimore by 326 yards to 177 for John Harbaugh’s bunch. With Baltimore now turning its attention toward the Chiefs, here’s an instant analysis of the loss. ***

Ravens vs. Falcons: Top photos from Baltimore’s 13-12 win in preseason Week 2

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 13-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason Week 2 matchup

Backup quarterback Josh Johnson was perfect on the afternoon, and rookie Emory Jones added a 56-yard touchdown throw to Dayton Wade in the second half to lift the Baltimore Ravens to a 13-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium.  The Ravens snapped a three-game preseason losing streak, while Atlanta had 343 yards of total offense but was 4-13 on third downs. Baltimore had another putrid day on the ground, rushing for 71 yards on 30 attempts.  With the team set to start preparation for the preseason finale, here are the top photos from the win over Atlanta. ***

Top photos from Ravens 16-13 loss to Eagles in preseason opener

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 16-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason opener at M&T Bank Stadium

The Ravens returned to the field for live game action for the first time since their heartbreaking, 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game.

Baltimore hosted Philadelphia at M&T Bank Stadium, with both teams on similar arcs, and championship paths. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sat out along with key starters on both sides of the football.

Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give the Philadelphia Eagles a 16-13 victory after Baltimore quarterback Emory Jones — who had just entered the game — was sacked and fumbled on the next play.

The recovery by Patrick Johnson gave Elliott his final opportunity of the night.

With Baltimore set to start preparation for the Falcons in the second week of the preseason, we’re looking at the top photos from Friday night.

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Ravens training camp: Top photos from Day 5 of practice

We’re looking at the top photos from Day 5 of Baltimore Ravens training camp practices

The Ravens had a day off from training camp on Thursday but returned to the Under Armour Performance Center on Friday and Saturday for their first two full-padded summer practices. Lamar Jackson returned to the lineup after a medical evaluation for flu-like symptoms. At the same time, the team honored the late Jacoby Jones on the day that family and friends traveled to New Orleans for his funeral services. With Sunday’s practice quickly approaching, here are takeaways and notes from Saturday’s session. ***

Ravens initial 90-man roster arranged by uniform number ahead of training camp

Baltimore Ravens’ 90-man roster at the start of 2024 training camp

The Baltimore Ravens have officially reported to the Under Armour Performance Center for the start of training camp with the first practice scheduled for Sunday morning.

There will be starting jobs and roster spots up for grabs, which should make for some intriguing position battles throughout camp and the preseason.

Currently, the Ravens have 90 players on their roster, and that will be trimmed down to 53 ahead of the start of the regular season, and by August 27.

With training camp underway, here’s an updated look at the Ravenss’ initial 90-man roster at the start of training camp, organized by jersey number.

Projecting the Ravens offensive depth chart following the mandatory minicamp

Projecting the Baltimore Ravens offensive depth chart following the mandatory minicamp

The Ravens are still in the crux of a potential Super Bowl window.

Still, after changing the offensive line, running back, and wide receiver positions, the team will look drastically different on offense. Baltimore seemed to win the first wave of the free agency period after getting Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million. The talented running back could earn $20 million throughout the deal.

All wasn’t perfect, as the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere.

Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

We’re looking at an updated depth chart with the mandatory minicamp completed.

Starter — Lamar Jackson
2nd–Josh Johnson
3rd-Devin Leary

4th–Emory Jones

Tyler Huntley moved on in free agency, and Baltimore brought back Josh Johnson, while Malik Cunningham will continue to develop at the wide receiver position. Devin Leary was selected late in the draft and looks to be the backup for the future. Emory Jones offers potential as a developmental quarterback.

Starter-Derrick Henry
2nd-Justice Hill/Keaton Mitchell

3rd-Rasheen Ali
4th–Owen Wright

Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are replaced by the legendary Derrick ‘King’ Henry. One of the biggest signings of the early free agency period, Henry gives Baltimore a star at the position.

Starter–Patrick Ricard

Starter–Nelson Agholor
2nd–Sean Ryan

Agholor re-signed with Baltimore on a 1-year deal prior to the start of free agency.

Starter–Rashod Bateman
2nd–DeVontez Walker/Tylan Wallace

Starter–Zay Flowers

2nd–Deonte Harty

Starter–Mark Andrews
2nd-Isaiah Likely
3rd–Charlie Kolar
4th–Scotty Washington

Starter–Ronnie Stanley

2nd–Patrick Mekari

Stanley will return at left tackle after restructuring his contract.

Starter–Sala Aumavae-Laulu/Josh Jones
2nd–Tykeem Doss
3rd–Tashawn Manning

With John Simpson signing with the Jets, Aumavae-Laulu could get the first shot at the starting left guard role.

Starter–Tyler Linderbaum

2nd–Nick Samac

Starter–Andrew Voorhees
2nd–Ben Cleveland

Voorhees missed the entire 2023 NFL season with a torn ACL but could start the season at right guard in place of a departed Kevin Zeitler.

Starter–Roger Rosengarten
2nd–Daniel Faalele

Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets. Baltimore could roll with second-round pick Roger Rosengarten or Faalele.