The Ravens have agreed in principle to a one-year deal with two-time Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson, creating an elite defensive trio in Baltimore.
The 30-year-old spent his first seven seasons in Chicago and reunites with linebacker Roquan Smith, with whom he played for five years.
More importantly, Jackson joins Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams to give the Ravens three primary patrolmen in their secondary. The Ravens already had the best defensive pairing in the league. Now there is zero doubt that they are a great trio.
While the Ravens have expressed their faith in Ar’Darius Washington, who can play multiple roles, they now add more experience at safety in place of Geno Stone, who left for Cincinnati in free agency after leading the AFC in interceptions last season.
Jackson could step into Stone’s role in Baltimore’s defense, allowing more flexibility in utilizing Hamilton and other members of the secondary. Like Stone, Jackson has a nose for the football.
A former college football standout at Alabama, Jackson was first-team All-Pro in 2018 and a Pro Bowler in 2018 and 2019. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated defender in the league in 2018, when he finished fourth in the league. Had six interceptions and scored three touchdowns.
With 15 career interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries, Jackson is considered one of the league’s best punters. His six defensive marks since entering the league in 2017 are tied with Marcus Peters.
After the Bears drafted Jaquan Brisker, Jackson moved from strong safety to free safety in 2022. That helped lead to a bounce-back season in which he caught four interceptions.
Last season, Jackson recorded one interception (off former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco) and 37 tackles in 12 games.
