The Baltimore Ravens made a move to bolster their secondary on Tuesday, signing veteran cornerback Desmond King II to their practice squad, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. With the Ravens dealing with some injuries in their defensive backfield and a shift in personnel, King’s experience and versatility make him an intriguing addition to the team as they look to strengthen their depth heading into the second half of the season.
A Veteran Presence in the Secondary
Desmond King brings eight years of NFL experience to the Ravens, with a career that has seen him make 56 starts and appear in 106 total games. King, who was drafted in the fifth round by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, has built a strong reputation as a reliable nickel cornerback. His standout season came in 2018, when he earned a First-Team All-Pro selection after a stellar sophomore campaign. Over the years, he’s become known for his ability to cover slot receivers and provide valuable depth across the defensive backfield.
King has spent most of his career in the nickel corner role, but he has also proven to be capable of stepping outside and playing on the boundary. In 2021 and 2022, he was pressed into starting duty on the outside, demonstrating his versatility. This adaptability could be crucial for the Ravens, who have been dealing with a few injuries and personnel changes in their defensive backfield.
Filling a Need in the Ravens’ Secondary
The Ravens’ secondary has been in a state of flux lately, particularly with Arthur Maulet sidelined due to a calf injury. Maulet has been a reliable nickel back for Baltimore, and his absence left the Ravens with a gap in their coverage unit. Meanwhile, Kyle Hamilton has been taking on more traditional safety duties, further thinning the secondary rotation.
King’s ability to step in and play both as a nickel back and on the boundary gives the Ravens added flexibility, allowing them to better manage their defensive back depth while getting key players like Hamilton in the right spots. King’s experience as a slot corner will allow the Ravens to maintain their defensive schemes without disrupting the overall structure.
It’s also worth noting that King has shown himself to be an effective special teams player over the course of his career, though his one appearance in 2024 was limited to special teams duty. The Ravens are known for their emphasis on special teams play, and King could add value in that department while he works to get acclimated to the team’s defensive system.
A Path to Contributing Like Tre’Davious White
King’s signing comes on the heels of an encouraging debut from Tre’Davious White, another veteran cornerback the Ravens acquired at the trade deadline. White, who was traded from the Buffalo Bills, made an immediate impact in his first game with Baltimore, contributing to the defense’s performance. Now, the Ravens will be hoping King can follow a similar trajectory, getting up to speed and becoming a valuable contributor in the secondary as the season progresses.
Both White and King bring veteran savvy to a secondary that is shaping up to be one of the most important units for the Ravens down the stretch. Baltimore’s defense is already one of the top-ranked units in the NFL, and the addition of two experienced cornerbacks only strengthens their position as a serious contender.
Looking Ahead
While King will start on the practice squad, his presence signals that the Ravens are preparing for the possibility of needing more depth in the secondary as the season enters its final stages. Baltimore has already weathered some injuries this year, and with a playoff berth in sight, the team will need all hands on deck, especially in the highly competitive AFC.
It may take some time for King to get fully integrated into the defensive game plan, but his experience and versatility make him a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Ravens. If he can adjust quickly to Baltimore’s system, King could emerge as a key rotational player who helps solidify the Ravens’ defense in the critical weeks ahead.
With the AFC playoff race heating up, Baltimore is making sure they have all the pieces in place to compete, and the addition of Desmond King II could be a pivotal move in their quest for postseason success.
