The Ravens have agreed in principle to a one-year deal with two-time Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson, creating a trio of top safeties in Baltimore.
The 30-year-old veteran spent his first seven seasons in Chicago, where he played with linebacker Roquan Smith for five years.
More importantly, Jackson gives the Ravens a top three guard in the secondary along with Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams. The Ravens already had the best safety duo in the league. There is no doubt that they have the best trio right now.
The Ravens have expressed confidence in Ardarius Washington’s ability to play multiple roles and now add more experience at safety to replace Geno Stone, who left for Cincinnati in free agency after leading the AFC in interceptions last season.
Jackson could step into a rock role in Baltimore’s defense, allowing more flexibility in the use of Hamilton and other members of the secondary. Like Stone, Jackson also has a nose for football.
Jackson, a former college football champion at Alabama, He had six interceptions and scored three touchdowns.
With 15 career interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries, Jackson is one of the top ballhawks in the league. His six defensive points total since entering the league in 2017 is tied with Marcus Peters.
After a two-year draft drought, Jackson moved from strong safety to free safety in 2022 after the Bears drafted Jaquan Brisker. That helped fuel his postseason streak, during which he caught four interceptions.
Last season, Jackson recorded one interception (against former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco) and had 37 tackles in 12 games for the second straight year.