NFL Trade Rumors: Baltimore Ravens Sign Pro Bowl Safety Eddie Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens are taking their Super Bowl window very seriously. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Ravens have signed former Chicago Bears safety and two-time Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson to a one-year deal.

A Ravens-type move: Two-time Pro-Bowl safety Eddie Jackson reached agreement today with Baltimore on a one-year deal, per sources. A safety with six defensive TDs for the Bears now will bring his talents to Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/YEacDMkf9c
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 19, 2024

Jackson spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Bears, amassing 15 interceptions, six fumble recoveries, and an impressive six defensive touchdowns over 100 starts. That quality play earned him a four-year, $58.4 million extension back in 2020, but the Bears elected to release him in February of this year, clearing $12.56 million in cap space.

Jackson joins a Ravens squad already deep at defensive back in a Super Bowl or bust season. He'll likely only serve as veteran depth behind standout safeties Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton. Williams was a massive free agent splash in 2022, signing a five-year, $70 million deal after playing out his rookie contract with the Saints. Hamilton was the Ravens' 14th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and was a first-team All-Pro in 2023.

Signing Jackson is clearly a value-oriented move by a Ravens team trying to win now. Given their talented roster, he may only see the field in dime packages or if a star gets injured. The Ravens finished first in points allowed and takeaways last season, and it's very unlikely Jackson can outplay any of their starters.

Though terms of Jackson's deal have not yet been revealed, odds are the Ravens have landed him at a bargain. Jackson may not have the long-term upside of a young player, but he's certainly better dollar for dollar than a lot of the mid-to-late-round draft picks and undrafted free agents that typically fill out the backs of rosters. That trade-off should suit the Ravens just fine. The possibility, however remote, that Jackson could come in handy and be a difference-maker in a Super Bowl run is well worth the investment.