The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the most aggressive teams in the league when it comes to improving their roster. After bolstering their secondary with a blockbuster trade for former All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White at the trade deadline, the Ravens are proving their work is far from done.
Baltimore's secondary remains a glaring concern. As the team enters Week 12, the same vulnerabilities that showed up in Week 1 continue to linger. The addition of White has helped, albeit in a small capacity (just 24 snaps last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers), but this team still needs more help.
With the playoffs approaching and the Ravens inept at stopping the pass, they've turned to an eight-year veteran in hopes of shoring up their secondary.
Baltimore Ravens sign former Houston Texans CB Desmond King
In his first game in purple and black, White flashed the instincts and ball skills that earned him All-Pro honors earlier in his career. But the front office knows one move won’t be enough to weather a long playoff run.
Enter Desmond King, a veteran cornerback with a proven track record. King was signed to the Ravens' practice squad this week, and while it’s not a headline-grabbing move like the White trade, it could pay dividends.
King, who earned All-Pro honors in 2018, brings versatility to a Ravens defense that thrives on it. Over his eight-year career, King has been a reliable contributor in the slot, as well as on special teams. Although his production has dipped in recent years (he appeared in just one game for the Texans this season) Baltimore is betting on their coaching staff to help him rediscover his form.
Ravens fans are familiar with this story: the team has a talent for revitalizing careers, and Jadeveon Clowney’s comeback this season is the latest example. If King can make an impact, even in a rotational role, he will add important depth to a secondary that needs to compete against Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, and possibly Josh Allen in the postseason.
Adding King to the mix is a low-risk, high-reward move. The Ravens get a seasoned veteran who’s played in big games before, and if he can regain some of his old form, he’ll be another weapon for defensive coordinator Zach Orr.
With White already making an immediate impact and King potentially providing solid depth, the Ravens are setting themselves up to compete with the AFC’s elite. It’s clear they’re building for a Super Bowl run.
As the playoffs approach, the Ravens’ secondary looks deeper and more dynamic than it has in years. And while there’s still work to be done, Baltimore’s latest moves prove that this team has its sights set on February.
