The Baltimore Ravens are signing cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, which could spell the end for one veteran that may wind up on the trade block. According to the breaking news, the Ravens are signing Awuzie to a one-year deal after losing Brandon Stephens to the New York Jets. Stephens surprisingly got a three-year, $36 million deal since he had one of the worst 2024 campaigns despite having a phenomenal season the year prior. While Marlon Humphrey is returning on a restructured deal, the Ravens could still trade him during this year’s draft and since signing Awuzie, it’s looking like it could happen.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product became one of the most reliable players on the Ravens defense last year, but it might not save him from a trade. Humphrey made four Pro Bowls and earned First-Team All-Pro honors on two separate occasions may make him an attractive candidate if the team makes him available. Last year, the team drafted Nate Wiggins to salvage the cornerback unit and if they draft another secondary piece early in this year’s draft, they could wind up moving on from Humphrey.
Entering at age 28, the cornerback started and appeared in 16 games, recording six interceptions and a 79.0 PFF grade. There are plenty of teams that need a capable answer at the position with a veteran presence and these five rosters could benefit from his skillsets.
Breaking: Chidobe Awuzie Signing Could Lead to Marlon Humphrey Trade
Possible Destinations
New Orleans Saints
Last season, the New Orleans Saints had no choice but to trade Marshon Lattimore since they were already out of postseason contention. It didn’t help them in the long term, as Kool-Aid McKinstry is the only active cornerback on this roster, but even if they draft another one, they still need a capable veteran. General Manager Mickey Loomis figured out a way to bring Justin Reid to the team and he might be able to do the same with Marlon Humphrey.
Carolina Panthers
After making several offensive moves last off-season, the Carolina Panthers finally brought improvements to their defense. The team extending Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson were first on their list, but if they want some extra firepower, they could trade for another cornerback. Humphrey may be aging, but they need an immediate answer alongside Horn since Jackson is still developing.
Los Angeles Chargers
It’s going to be a new defense for the Los Angeles Chargers, and things will be interesting to see how this secondary unit performs. There’s no word on what will happen, but since signing Donte Jackson while losing Kristian Fulton, the Chargers could be looking “win now” pieces for this pass defense. Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart are the future of this roster, but since Jim Harbaugh loves to play like an old-school defense, they could resemble that by trading for Humphrey.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys lost a free-agent gem in Jourdan Lewis, but they’re rolling the dice on Kaiir Elam after the recent trade with the Bills. Trevon Diggs is returning, but his future is up in the air despite signing a long-term deal two years ago. The same can be said about DaRon Bland, who’s been battling injuries, too, but the team will probably play it by ear. The team should find an immediate answer and Marlon Humphrey could be a solid veteran who may change the landscape of this team’s secondary.
Washington Commanders
It didn’t work out for the pass secondary in Washington, like how the offense was on fire all season. Marshon Lattimore joined forces in hopes of winning a Super Bowl, but behavioral issues could be why he’s still a free agent. Jonathan Jones is signing a one-year deal and Humphrey could be the last piece they need as a capable veteran at this stage to maximize Jayden Daniels’ rookie contract.
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