Ravens Signing Veteran Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to One-Year Contract
Ravens Sign Veteran Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to One-Year Contract
The Baltimore Ravens have made a significant addition to their defensive backfield by signing veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to a one-year contract. This move is seen as a strategic effort to bolster the Ravens’ secondary, which faced depth concerns following the departure of key players in free agency. Awuzie, a seasoned defender with a proven track record in the NFL, is expected to bring experience, versatility, and stability to Baltimore’s defense.
Chidobe Awuzie’s NFL Journey
Chidobe Awuzie entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, selected by the Dallas Cowboys out of the University of Colorado. Over his first four seasons in Dallas, Awuzie established himself as a reliable starter, showcasing strong man-to-man coverage skills and excellent tackling ability. He played in 49 games for the Cowboys, recording 213 tackles, four interceptions, and 37 pass breakups.
In 2021, Awuzie signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. His arrival coincided with the Bengals’ defensive resurgence, playing a crucial role in their Super Bowl LVI run. During the 2021 season, he recorded two interceptions, 14 pass deflections, and 64 tackles, solidifying himself as one of the league’s better coverage corners. Unfortunately, in 2022, his season was cut short by a torn ACL, which sidelined him for the latter half of the year.
After rehabilitating from his injury, Awuzie returned to action in 2023 but struggled to regain his pre-injury form. Following the completion of his contract with Cincinnati, he joined the Tennessee Titans in 2024 on a lucrative three-year, $36 million deal. However, injuries once again hampered his availability, and the Titans opted to release him after just one season.
The Impact of Awuzie’s Signing on the Ravens
The Ravens have been actively looking for reinforcements in their secondary after the departure of cornerback Brandon Stephens, who signed a lucrative deal with the New York Jets. Marlon Humphrey remains the team’s No. 1 cornerback, but injuries have affected his consistency. Adding Awuzie gives Baltimore a veteran presence who can start opposite Humphrey and allow the defense more flexibility.
Awuzie is a well-rounded corner who excels in both man and zone coverage schemes. His physicality, footwork, and ability to read opposing quarterbacks make him a valuable asset in the Ravens’ defensive system. Baltimore’s defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, is known for employing an aggressive, press-heavy scheme, which suits Awuzie’s strengths.
Additionally, Awuzie’s experience playing in the AFC North with the Bengals gives him an advantage. He has faced divisional opponents such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns multiple times, providing the Ravens with an experienced defender familiar with the tendencies of their rivals.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
The financial structure of Awuzie’s deal with Baltimore has been widely discussed. The Ravens signed him to a one-year, team-friendly contract, largely due to the fact that the Tennessee Titans are still paying a portion of his 2025 salary from his previous contract. According to sources, Baltimore is paying Awuzie the league minimum, while the Titans are absorbing the remainder of the financial obligation.
This deal allows the Ravens to add an experienced, starting-caliber cornerback without a significant cap hit, preserving financial flexibility for potential midseason additions or extensions for key players. If Awuzie performs well, Baltimore could explore re-signing him to a longer-term contract in 2026.
Health and Performance Concerns
The biggest question surrounding Awuzie’s signing is whether he can stay healthy. His torn ACL in 2022 and subsequent groin injury in 2024 have raised concerns about his durability. However, the Ravens’ medical staff has a strong reputation for rehabilitating and managing veteran players with injury histories. Baltimore has successfully brought in injury-prone players in the past and maximized their contributions through careful workload management and rotational depth.
If Awuzie can remain on the field, he has the potential to be one of the Ravens’ most important defensive pieces in 2025. His skill set aligns well with Baltimore’s defensive philosophy, and he will have an opportunity to prove himself as a top-tier cornerback once again.
How Awuzie Fits into the Ravens’ Defensive Scheme
Under Mike Macdonald, the Ravens’ defense relies heavily on versatility and disguised coverages. Baltimore’s secondary is known for shifting between man and zone coverages seamlessly, requiring cornerbacks to possess both speed and intelligence. Awuzie’s ability to read plays and adjust on the fly makes him a natural fit in this scheme.
With Marlon Humphrey anchoring one side of the field, Awuzie is expected to compete for the No. 2 cornerback spot against younger players such as Jalyn Armour-Davis and T.J. Tampa. His presence also allows the Ravens to use Humphrey in the slot when necessary, a role in which he has thrived in previous seasons.
Reaction from the Ravens Organization and Fans
Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta expressed excitement about Awuzie’s signing, highlighting his leadership, experience, and competitive spirit. “Chidobe is a great competitor and someone who brings toughness to our defense. His experience in this league will be invaluable as we look to make a deep postseason run,” DeCosta said in a statement.
Fans have reacted positively to the move, seeing it as a low-risk, high-reward signing. Many believe that Awuzie’s experience and past performances with the Bengals prove he still has plenty left in the tank. Given Baltimore’s recent history of making smart, under-the-radar free agency moves, there is optimism that Awuzie could become a key contributor.
Expectations for the 2025 Season
As the Ravens prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on integrating Awuzie into their defensive scheme and ensuring that he remains healthy. Training camp and preseason will be crucial periods for him to establish chemistry with his new teammates and coaching staff.
If Awuzie can return to the form he displayed in 2021 with Cincinnati, he has the potential to make a significant impact. His ability to lock down opposing receivers and contribute in run support will be crucial as Baltimore aims to maintain its status as one of the league’s top defensive units.
The Ravens are in a highly competitive AFC North, with teams like the Bengals, Steelers, and Browns all boasting strong offensive units. Having a reliable cornerback duo in Humphrey and Awuzie could be the key to containing these high-powered offenses and giving Baltimore an edge in the divisional race.
The Ravens’ signing of Chidobe Awuzie is a smart and calculated move that addresses an area of need without significant financial risk. If Awuzie can stay healthy and return to his peak performance level, he could prove to be one of the most impactful additions to the Ravens’ roster in 2025.
Baltimore has built a reputation for identifying and developing defensive talent, and Awuzie now has the opportunity to revive his career with a team known for its defensive excellence. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs in the purple and black this upcoming season.