Baltimore Beatdown
The Ravens signed veteran cornerback Amani Oruwariye to their practice squad on Wednesday, adding some much-needed depth at the position amid injuries to their starting trio of Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie.
Oruwariye is entering his seventh season in the NFL. Originally a Lions fifth-round pick in 2019, he started 36 games across his four years in Detroit. Despite that experience, the 29-year-old spent the 2023 season on the Giants’ and the Jaguars’ practice squads and made his only appearance with the latter team. He caught on with the Cowboys in 2024 and ended up starting five games, though he struggled mightily. He allowed 11.3 yards per target, the sixth-worst mark among qualified cornerbacks.
But the Ravens need the depth, and beggars can’t be choosers. At the very least, Oruwariye has a solid amount of experience under his belt with just under 3,000 defensive snaps to his name. However, he has not been a consistent special teams contributor in his career and may only be elevated from the practice squad if Baltimore badly needs another corner on defense.
The Ravens also hosted veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks for a tryout on Tuesday, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, but the 33-year-old left Baltimore without a deal. Pelissero’s specific wording – “Kendricks declined an offer to start on Baltimore’s practice squad” – indicates that he is looking for a spot on a 53-man roster, with the Ravens or elsewhere.
With Roquan Smith sidelined, Kendricks would have a role right away in Baltimore’s defense. He has more experience than the Ravens’ four inside linebackers combined, but could be benched or even cut when Smith returns to the field. It makes sense that he would be seeking a stronger commitment and/or a more long-term opportunity. The Ravens are in dire straits and may bend to Kendricks’ desires if they believe he is their best option moving forward.
That might very well be the case. The 10-year veteran has logged 142 starts in his career with nine straight seasons with at least 100 tackles, and his age has yet to significantly impact his performance. Across 15 starts for the Cowboys in 2024, he recorded 138 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defended, three forced fumbles, three sacks, and four tackles for loss, a similar stat line to his career averages.
As far as free agent linebackers go, especially in Week 4, Kendricks is certainly an appealing potential signing. Other available players at the position include Ja’whaun Bentley, Kyzir White, and De’Vondre Campbell. Bentley and White are on the Steelers’ and Titans’ practice squads, respectively, while Campbell is a free agent.
