NFL News

Ravens Sign Pro Bowl Safety E. Jackson – The Baltimore Ravens, an organization that leans heavily on their defensive principles, dating back to the days of Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, are never afraid to enhance that side of the ball, adding a proven veteran into the mix, complementing their rock-solid unit with a former All-Pro.

Safety Eddie Jackson has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Ravens, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Friday.

Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowler in seven seasons in the ‘Windy City’ as a member of the Chicago Bears, will reunite with linebacker Roquan Smith and provide much depth to a safety room that already boasts veteran Marcus Williams and ascending star Kyle Hamilton.

The 30-year-old Jackson was a fourth-round draft pick of the Bears in 2017 out of the University of Alabama and became one of the elite safeties in all of football for a stint. In 2018, the Alabama product was an All-Pro and was selected for the Pro Bowl that season and the following one.

Hampered significantly by lingering foot injuries over the past two campaigns, Jackson was on the shelf, missing 10 games in 2022-23. Despite all of that, when he was healthy and on the gridiron, Jackson still registered 80 tackles and four interceptions in the ’22 season.

Taking a low-risk chance on a proven defensive veteran with a later offseason signing is a classic Ravens maneuver that they have built their foundation on. They have scoured the landscape and found diamonds in the rough in similar situations with the likes of Calais Campbell, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jadeveon Clowney, Kyle Van Noy and Rock Ya-Sin in recent years.

Released in February after a successful tenure in Chi-Town, Jackson is now headed for a new team and conference.

It will be a drastic change for Jackson, who is walking away from a rebuilding Bears franchise after playing in just one career playoff game. Now, he will be looking to assist a team with Super Bowl aspirations in their sights.

Also…

RB Kenyan Drake Announces Retirement from NFL – Veteran running back Kenyan Drake has decided to hang up his cleats and announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons. Drake announced his retirement in a post on social media.

“It’s been an incredible ride,” Drake wrote on his social media platform. “Hard to believe [eight] seasons have come and gone. I’ve loved the journey — the wins, the moments big and small, the comradery, the energy, all of it … Ready to enjoy a little retirement and see where the next chapter takes me. Thanks to everyone that was along for the ride with me — wouldn’t change a thing.”

NFL insider Josina Anderson of CBS Sports. later confirmed Drake’s retirement. The running back told her that he is “at peace with the decision.”

“Yes, it is. It felt like the right time,” Drake said. “I love the game, but I don’t love the business. I’m at peace with the decision. I’m healthy and ready to start the next chapter of my life.”

Drake was a journeyman, playing for the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and more.

Drake was a third-round draft pick in 2016 out of the University of Alabama, chosen by the Dolphins. During his tenure with Miami, Drake was a part of the Miami Miracle, one of the most miraculous plays in recent NFL history.

He played for Miami from 2016 until 2019, when he was dealt to the Cardinals. The most dynamic season of his career came in Arizona in 2020, when he totaled 955 rushing yards and 10 scores, both career highs.

After the breakout season with the Cardinals, Drake had a difficult time finding his footing and never managed to regain that level of success, rushing for less than 500 yards in his remaining years in the league. After a one-year stint with the Raiders, he joined the Ravens in 2022 prior to linking up with the Indianapolis Colts as a member of the practice squad to kick off the 2023 campaign.

He returned to Baltimore for a cup of coffee and a donut before joining the Cleveland Browns practice squad. He closed out what would be his final season in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers in ‘Titletown’.