The Baltimore Ravens had some noticeable departures at linebacker this offseason, with both Malik Harrison and Chris Board leaving in free agency. Harrison took a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, reuniting with Patrick Queen, while Board cashed in on a two-year, $6 million deal with the New York Giants.

Losing both wasn’t going to just be a problem for the defense and linebacker depth, it also created a fairly massive hole on the special teams. Finding a player who could fill the linebacker depth while also being a quality special teams guy could have been tough… until it wasn’t.

Enter Jake Hummel. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Ravens have signed the former Los Angeles Rams linebacker and special teams standout to a one-year deal. Hummel played 77% of the Rams’ special teams snaps in 2024, notching eight tackles and even blocking a punt that led to a touchdown.

In other words, he’s exactly the kind of player Baltimore needed to replace Board and Harrison.

Jake Hummel brings special teams grit and linebacker depth

Hummel, 26, entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and quickly carved out a role on special teams. Over the last two seasons, he played in all 34 games for the Rams, totaling 31 tackles while becoming a key piece of their coverage units. He even earned a brief starting opportunity in 2024, logging 74 defensive snaps to go along with his heavy special teams workload.

For the Ravens, this signing almost makes too much sense.

Board led the team in special teams snaps last season, while Harrison played a significant role in that phase of the game as well. With both gone, Baltimore needed someone who could step in and take on those duties immediately. Hummel fits the mold perfectly.

As far as linebacker depth goes, Hummel is also a logical fit. The Ravens are betting big on Trenton Simpson taking the next step in 2025, but behind him and Roquan Smith, there wasn’t much depth left. Hummel likely won’t see the field much on defense unless injuries force the Ravens’ hand, but having an experienced depth piece is never a bad thing.

This isn’t a flashy signing, but it’s one that could pay dividends for Baltimore. The Ravens needed to reload their special teams unit after losing two key players, and they found the perfect replacement in Hummel.