Ravens Worked Out Super Bowl Winner at Thin Position: Report

The Baltimore Ravens know they have a potential problem at safety, where the depth chart is top-heavy with first-round talent, but lacks quality depth, so they handed a tryout to a Super Bowl winner who’s still available in free agency.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets defensive back Jordan Whitehead, a veteran of 101 starts in the NFL, “worked out” for the Ravens on Friday, August 8, per BaltimorePositive.com’s Luke Jones. He noted the team “also worked out rookie defensive back Jordan Riley.”

Whitehead is obviously the more intriguing name given his pedigree. The 28-year-old “fits the profile” as the credible third safety Baltimore’s defense has been missing since last season’s breakout star Ar’Darius Washington suffered a torn Achilles back in May.

Not only could he match Washington’s range in coverage, Whitehead would also give the Ravens a proven thumper who’s effective on the blitz. His presence could allow defensive coordinator Zach Orr to keep All-Pro Kyle Hamilton deep, a ploy that revived the unit during the last campaign, alongside 2025 NFL draft 27th-overall pick Malaki Starks.

Jordan Whitehead Would Solve Underrated Problem for Ravens

The lack of a versatile and reliable third safety is no-small problem for Orr and his staff. Three-safety packages have become the go-to defensive set in Baltimore in recent seasons.

Putting a trio of safeties onto the field affords the Ravens a ton of flexibility in terms of coverage, pressure and disguise. They can play nickel personnel on early downs and still maintain integrity against the run, while a third safety grants Orr greater freedom to move players around to confuse quarterbacks both pre- and post-snap.

The Ravens are already giving ex-Georgia stud Starks a roving brief, something Whitehead’s presence would allow them to develop further. He’s an experienced free safety who would let Hamilton return to the box in certain looks, although Whitehead can also be an asset closer to the line of scrimmage.

A good example was this edge-setting run stuff against the Detroit Lions from Week 1 last season, highlighted by Steven Cheah of Barstool Sports. Cheah called this effort and win against a larger blocker “very rare for a safety!”

This is the type of play the Ravens routinely expect from their safeties. Being 5-foot-10 and 198 pounds doesn’t excuse Whitehead from the more physical aspects of the game, just as 5-foot-8, 180-pounder Washington was expected to make plays in the pile.

Relatively slight stature also gives both players greater range in space against the pass. Whitehead demonstrated as much with this agile theft for the Jets against the Buffalo Bills in 2023.

Whitehead’s ability to make plays at both ends of a defense is perfect for the what the Ravens do schematically. His signing is a no-brainer when the roster lacks a third safety as accomplished.

Ravens Need Established Safety Help

There are options, but they are mostly unproven. Like a rookie free agent who can follow Washington’s career path.

Other options include a pair of heavy hitters from special teams, who are far from battle-tested in this complex a system. Neither offers the flexibility nor playmaking streak of Whitehead.

Finally, Orr and secondary boss Chuck Pagano could convert an eight-year veteran cornerback into a safety. The idea has merit, but Whitehead would arrive needing no transition to settle into a key spot on the depth chart.