A “Cheaper” Brandon Stephens Substitute Selected for the Ravens

A “Cheaper” Brandon Stephens Substitute Selected for the Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have been known for their ability to find hidden gems, making savvy draft picks and player acquisitions that allow them to build a competitive team without breaking the bank. This strategy has served them well over the years, and it appears the Ravens front office is continuing that trend in the 2025 NFL offseason. One of the most notable moves in this year’s off-season was the selection of a “cheaper” alternative to Brandon Stephens, a player who was drafted by the Ravens in 2021 with high expectations but struggled to meet them consistently.

In the world of the NFL, teams are constantly balancing their salary cap and looking for players who offer strong production at a lower cost. Brandon Stephens, drafted as a versatile defensive back, had moments where he flashed potential but also faced criticism for his inconsistent performances. This year, the Ravens front office decided to go a different route, opting for a more affordable player who could fill the role that Stephens was expected to handle. Let’s dive deeper into this move, the reasoning behind it, and what it means for the Ravens’ defense moving forward.

The Role of Brandon Stephens with the Ravens

When Brandon Stephens was drafted by the Ravens in 2021, expectations were high. He was taken in the third round of the draft, a relatively high pick for a player who had transitioned from running back to cornerback during his college career at SMU. At 6’1″ and 213 pounds, Stephens had the size and physical traits to be a versatile defender in the secondary. The Ravens were looking for a player who could contribute both as a cornerback and potentially as a safety or even a slot defender.

Stephens began his career with some flashes of potential, showing off his ability to cover a wide range of routes and offer support against the run. However, he also struggled with consistency, especially in coverage. While his size was an asset, his technique and ability to make quick, decisive plays at the NFL level were still a work in progress. The Ravens, known for their defense, were patient with Stephens, giving him plenty of opportunities to prove himself.

However, by the end of the 2024 season, it became clear that Stephens was unlikely to live up to the expectations set for him when he was drafted. While not a bust, Stephens’ inconsistent performances were a concern for a defense that prided itself on reliability and execution. In 2024, he showed signs of improvement but often had difficulty when matched up against top-tier receivers and struggled to make an impact in critical moments.

Why the Ravens Looked for a “Cheaper” Alternative

The NFL is a salary-cap league, and teams are constantly looking for ways to balance their payroll with player performance. With key contracts already on the books for stars like Lamar Jackson, Roquan Smith, and Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens needed to be mindful of their salary cap space while still building a strong roster.

The team had already invested significant resources in other positions, leaving less room for a high-dollar investment in a player like Stephens, who had yet to fulfill his potential. Instead of paying a relatively high salary for a player who may not make the desired impact, the Ravens decided it was time to explore other options at a lower cost.

This decision aligns with the Ravens’ long-standing philosophy of building through the draft and making calculated free-agent signings. By selecting a “cheaper” substitute for Brandon Stephens, the Ravens not only saved on cap space but also added a player who could provide more immediate contributions or develop into a key asset over time.

The Selection of the New “Cheaper” Substitute

In the 2025 NFL draft, the Ravens selected a new player to take over the role that Brandon Stephens had occupied on the roster. This player was a relative unknown, a defensive back with excellent coverage skills and the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary. Known for his exceptional work ethic and ability to read offenses, this new player quickly became one of the most intriguing picks of the Ravens’ draft class.

Much like Stephens, the new substitute brings a level of versatility to the table. He’s capable of playing cornerback, safety, and potentially even nickel back, making him an ideal candidate for the Ravens’ complex defensive schemes. However, unlike Stephens, the new player comes with a lower price tag, which fits the Ravens’ current salary cap situation better.

Additionally, this player was seen as having a higher ceiling than Stephens. Although he lacked the physicality of some of the higher-profile prospects in the draft, his technique, intelligence, and ability to read offenses made him an attractive option for the Ravens. There were some who questioned whether this player could make the immediate impact that Stephens had failed to deliver, but the Ravens were willing to bet that his skills would allow him to develop into a starter in the near future.

What Does This Move Mean for the Ravens’ Defense?

The addition of this “cheaper” substitute for Brandon Stephens carries several implications for the Ravens’ defense moving forward. Firstly, the secondary is expected to see increased competition for playing time, with both young players and veterans vying for a spot. The Ravens already boast a strong defensive unit, with players like Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Williams, and Roquan Smith anchoring the team. However, finding the right complementary pieces to those stars is essential for long-term success.

This move also signifies that the Ravens are doubling down on their defensive philosophy of versatility and adaptability. While many teams in the NFL focus on specialized roles, the Ravens are known for having a secondary that can switch between different coverages and play multiple positions. The new “cheaper” substitute fits this mold, offering flexibility and the ability to move between cornerback and safety depending on the situation.

Furthermore, by bringing in a player with the potential to grow and contribute at a low cost, the Ravens are in a better position to maintain a deep, talented roster without overextending their budget. If the new player can step up and produce right away, it would be a win-win for the team, offering an upgrade in production while saving valuable cap space.

The Long-Term Impact of the Move

The long-term impact of this decision will likely depend on how quickly the new player can adapt to the NFL and perform at a high level. If he’s able to live up to the expectations set for him, the Ravens will have found another diamond in the rough. This would be another example of how the Ravens consistently identify undervalued talent and develop them into key contributors.

However, if the new player struggles in his early years, it could mean that the Ravens need to revisit their approach in the secondary sooner than expected. Even so, the team has positioned itself well by opting for a “cheaper” alternative to Stephens. While it might take some time for this new player to find his footing, the financial flexibility gained from this move allows the Ravens to continue strengthening other areas of their roster in the meantime.

The selection of a “cheaper” Brandon Stephens substitute is yet another example of how the Ravens manage to stay competitive without overspending on players who do not meet their expectations. By selecting a more affordable option at a crucial position, the Ravens have given themselves the flexibility they need to continue building a championship-caliber team. Whether the new player proves to be a solid contributor or develops into a star, the Ravens have once again shown their ability to make shrewd, cost-effective decisions that benefit the team in both the short and long term.

While it’s still early to assess the full impact of this move, it’s clear that the Ravens’ commitment to finding value through the draft and free agency remains a cornerstone of their success. As the new defensive back takes on a more prominent role, the Ravens will be closely watching his development and hoping that he can become the reliable playmaker that Brandon Stephens was unable to be. If this “cheaper” option succeeds, it could prove to be one of the best moves of the offseason for Baltimore.