The Chiefs, Chargers may sign Ravens cut free agent safety Eddie Jackson this season. According to multiple reports, the Baltimore Ravens are officially releasing the veteran safety after having an atrocious secondary for the majority of the year. Jackson’s release comes as no surprise as he didn’t like the role he was getting in Baltimore after struggling to get anything going for the Ravens. Jim Harbaugh decided to elevate Ar’Darius Washington to pair with Kyle Hamilton at the deep safety position.
Jackson may never clear waivers, but any team needing depth could sign him on a temporary contract. Originally selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, the two-time Pro Bowler was establishing himself as one of the best deep secondary threats in the league with the Chicago Bears. He was responsible for constructing a reliable defense under head coach Matt Nagy in 2018 pairing with Khalil Mack, Kyle Fuller and Tarik Cohen. Despite that, his production has been slowing down the past two years since battling injuries was a reason for his lack of play.
However, the Ravens will be moving on with Marcus Williams as their new backup behind Washington. Jackson didn’t prove anything in Baltimore to persuade them that he’s a starter after getting beat out in two touchdowns in week 8 against the Cleveland Browns. According to Pro Football Reference, the veteran allowed 16.2 yards per completion and a 132.2 quarterback. Jackson may not be the same spectacular player he was but the Chiefs, Chargers could roll the dice on him to see what he has to offer.
Chiefs, Chargers May Sign Ravens Cut Free Agent Eddie Jackson
Nightmare in Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs finally got their loss of the 2024 season after falling to the Buffalo Bills. They may have one of the strongest safety groups in the league despite losing L’Jarius Sneed this past offseason, but they could use the depth to remain competitive in the AFC. The Chiefs didn’t look like a Super Bowl team in the first loss and it may be the beginning of something bigger than what they’re expecting. It’s all speculation now, but injuries and having a lackluster wide receiving room even though they got DeAndre Hopkins may come back to haunt them.
It might just be one loss but it should be enough to motivate the team to continue stacking talent while they have that opportunity. Trent McDuffie is one of the most stellar in the entire secondary but having a young group might come back for them to realize that this might be the particular that’ll stop them from a three-peat since they’ll go through growing pains. The Chiefs needed help in their secondary this past NFL trade deadline so Jackson should be ready to head west to join forces with Patrick Mahomes. Jackson is no special player but he might stop being a headache if it means winning a ring on his resume.
Building Harbaugh’s Defense
Meanwhile, the Chargers have the AFC wild-card picture in the palm of their hands after moving to 7-3. Justin Herbert is looking like his old self and Jim Harbaugh has no plans to replace him anytime soon. However, the defense had a few issues, including poor tackling, giving up big plays and a lack of consistent pressure on the quarterback. Despite having Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, they must understand that every game can’t be won in a shootout after winning that type of matchup against the Bengals.
However, this doesn’t overshadow the fact that the Chargers have a stellar secondary. Jackson’s addition could be useful if they can get him to play as a rotational pass-rushing safety. He doesn’t need to play full-time but makes a couple of plays on third downs to make the quarterback life’s harder in his vision. They have one of the worst reserve talents behind Alohi Gilman and Derwin James so signing Jackson would be a no-brainer.
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