The Ravens have agreed in principle to a one-year deal with two-time Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson, forming an elite safety trio in Baltimore.
The 30-year-old veteran spent his first seven seasons in Chicago and reunites with linebacker Roquan Smith, who he played with for five years.
More importantly, Jackson joins forces with Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams, giving the Ravens three premier patrolmen in their secondary. The Ravens already had arguably the best safety duo in the league. Now there is zero doubt that they have the best trio.
While the Ravens have expressed their confidence in Ar’Darius Washington, who can also play multiple roles, they have now added more safety experience to replace Geno Stone, who left for Cincinnati in free agency after leading the AFC in interceptions last season.
Jackson can step into Stone’s role in Baltimore’s defense, allowing for more flexibility with the use of Hamilton and other members of the secondary. Like Stone, Jackson also has a nose for the football.
A former college football champion at Alabama, Jackson was a first-team All-Pro in 2018 and Pro Bowler in 2018 and 2019. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded safety in the league in 2018, when he finished fourth in the league with six interceptions and scored three touchdowns.
With 15 career interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries, Jackson is regarded as one of the top ballhawks in the league. His six defensive scores are tied with Marcus Peters for the most since entering the league in 2017.
After a two-year dry spell without a pick, Jackson moved from strong safety to free safety in 2022 after the Bears drafted Jaquan Brisker. That helped fuel a bounce back season, in which he grabbed four interceptions.
Last season, Jackson recorded one interception (off former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco) and 37 tackles in 12 games as he dealt with injuries for a second straight year.
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#Eddie #Jackson #Sign #Ravens #Forming #Elite #Safety #Trio