Another veteran safety has secured a deal before training camp, as Eddie Jackson has signed with the Ravens, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Schefter notes that this is a one-year agreement, which is common for veterans at this stage of the offseason, especially for safeties in 2024. Jackson, who has spent his entire seven-year career with the Bears, will now begin a new chapter with Baltimore.
The 30-year-old has started all 101 of his regular season and playoff games, earning multiple accolades, including first-team All-Pro honors in 2018 and a Pro Bowl nod in the following season. He has recorded multiple interceptions four times in his career, though his production has declined. Jackson was considered a trade candidate before the 2023 deadline, but no teams showed interest.
Entering the 2024 offseason with one year left on his contract and a $14.15M salary that was not guaranteed, Jackson was released by the Bears in February. He had not been linked to any teams until now, but will compete for a role in the Ravens’ secondary this summer.
The Ravens have starters Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton, with the latter showing versatility last season in three-safety formations. Geno Stone, who played a significant role, left for the Bengals in free agency. The Ravens have since added replacements, and Jackson offers veteran experience for a potential third safety role. His 87% defensive snap share in 2023 was his career low, and he struggled in coverage with a 120.6 passer rating allowed.
Jackson is not expected to be a full-time defender as long as Williams and Hamilton are healthy. However, he could earn a part-time role and use the 2024 season to boost his free-agent value with his new team.
