Jalyn Armour-Davis

Eagles, Saints, Dolphins Also Placed Claims On Jalyn Armour-Davis

One of the Ravens’ more surprising 53-man roster cuts was the release of 2022 fourth-round pick Jalyn Armour-Davis.

The fourth-year cornerback was quickly claimed off waivers by the Titans, who had the No. 1 priority. They weren’t the only team with interest; the Saints, Dolphins, and Eagles all placed claims as well, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Armour-Davis ended each of his first three seasons on the IR with two stints in 2024. The Ravens were still excited about his potential as a versatile backup in 2025 with defensive coordinator Zach Orr saying that Armour-Davis was the team’s smartest defensive back on multiple occasions.

It seemed that the injury bug may have struck again when Armour-Davis missed a few practices at training camp, but his MRI was clean and he returned to start all three preseason games. He played sparingly in the second, but in the other two, he allowed an 8.8 passer rating when targeted with two pass break-ups and an interception, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

The Saints could stand to add some cornerback depth after the departures of Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo in the last year. Behind a starting trio of Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor, and Isaac Yiadom, New Orleans only has veteran Ugo Amadi and fourth-round rookie Quincy Riley as backups.

Armour-Davis’ arrival in Tennessee is a reunion with former Ravens DBs coach and current Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. A successful claim by Miami would have similarly reconnected him with Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, who coached the Ravens’ defensive line during Armour-Davis’ time in Baltimore. Miami’s need at cornerback has been well-documented this offseason, and the soon-to-be 26 year old could have provided immediate depth. The Dolphins were successful in claiming former Colts second-round pick Julius Brents after he was waived.

The Eagles have several young cornerbacks on the 53-man roster – five of their six are 25 years or younger – and sought to add another in Armour-Davis. Philadelphia spent the offseason evaluating their options at the position behind star 2024 draft picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. They brought in veteran Adoree’ Jackson to compete with former SEC starters Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks. None emerged as a clear third starter, so the Eagles traded for Jakorian Bennett. That would appear to be enough depth, but Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ ever-active general manager, tried to add Armour-Davis for even more competition.

In Tennessee, Armour-Davis will once again play under Wilson in a cornerback room made thin by the absence of L’Jarius Sneed.

Wednesday NFL Transactions: AFC South

Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These ColtsJaguarsTexans and Titans moves are noted below.

Houston Texans

Signed to practice squad:

Indianapolis Colts

Claimed:

Signed to practice squad:

Jacksonville Jaguars

Signed to practice squad:

Tennessee Titans

Claimed:

Waived:

Released:

Signed to practice squad:

Ravens Set Initial 53-Man Roster

Every year, the Ravens are one of the last teams to announce their roster moves to get down to 53 players. Finally, via a team press release, Baltimore’s initial 53-man roster is set with the following transactions:

Waived

  • CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
  • WR Jahmal Banks
  • S Beau Brade
  • WR Malik Cunningham
  • G Darrian Dalcourt
  • OL Garrett Dellinger
  • OLB Malik Hamm
  • S Desmond Igbinosun
  • S Keondre Jackson
  • DL Jayson Jones
  • QB Devin Leary
  • OT Gerad Lichtenhan
  • ILB Chandler Martin
  • TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden
  • DL Adedayo Odeleye
  • DL C.J. Okoye
  • G Jared Penning
  • DL C.J. Ravenell
  • CB Marquise Robinson
  • OLB Kaimon Rucker
  • C Nick Samac
  • FB Lucas Scott
  • TE Scotty Washington

Released

Waived with injury settlement

Placed on injured reserve (with return designation)

Placed on reserve/NFI

  • OT Emery Jones

Placed on reserve/PUP

The Ravens opted to keep tight end Isaiah Likely on the 53-man roster after his recent foot surgery, indicating that the team expects him back in the first four weeks of the regular season.

Armour-Davis is Baltimore’s most surprising cut. The 2022 fourth-round pick struggled with injuries across the first few years of his career, but had a solid training camp. Baltimore opted to keep undrafted rookie Keyon Martin instead after an impressive showing in the preseason.

Brade, who made the 53-man roster as a UDFA last year, was beaten out by undrafted rookie Reuben Lowery for the Ravens’ fourth safety spot. Brade, a former University of Maryland standout, is expected to return to the practice squad if he clears waivers, per KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson.

Baltimore is also hoping to bring Lichtenhan, a 6-f0ot-8, 328-pound offensive tackle, back on their practice squad if he sneaks through waivers, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

Urban will likely re-sign to the Ravens practice squad on Wednesday in a handshake deal after being cut from the active roster.

Isaac and Wade suffered injuries late in training camp and will have to spend the first four weeks of the season on injured reserve. Isaac’s IR placement cleared a spot for David Ojabo to make the roster despite appearing to be on the bubble in the preseason.

Jones has been dealing with a mysterious shoulder injury that required surgery earlier this year. He has yet to hit the practice field as a Raven and will be sidelined for at least four more weeks to start the season.

Ravens Rumors: Jackson, Flowers, Armour-Davis, Mitchell

We mentioned recently that, following the extension of wide receiver Rashod Bateman, an extension for quarterback Lamar Jackson would be at the forefront of the Ravens’ priorities for the remainder of the offseason. Well, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the plan was always for the two-time MVP to get a revised deal around this time.

Though Jackson became the highest-paid player in NFL history only two years ago, so many other quarterbacks have gotten new deals that he currently sits at 10th in the league in average annual value. Jackson and the team anticipated the inflating contract values when they formed his first extension, putting obscene cap hits starting in the third year of his contract to force both parties to return to the table. Jackson’s $43.5MM cap hit in 2025 in the fourth highest in the NFL this year. That cap hit jumps to $74.5MM in 2026 and 2027, giving him the third highest and highest cap hits in those respective years.

A return to the table would benefit both parties as a new contract would likely mean a raise for Jackson and some short-term cap savings for Baltimore. If Jackson once again becomes the highest-paid quarterback (per AAV) in the league, he will become the first player in NFL history to eclipse $60MM per year, and according to Rapoport, head coach John Harbaugh seemed to acknowledge at league meetings that Jackson could certainly be bound for that as of yet uncharted territory.

Rapoport predicts, too, that, paired with Bateman’s extension, the cap relief of a Jackson extension could help the team with another extension that’s likely on the docket for tight end Isaiah Likely.

Here are a few other rumors coming out of Charm City:

  • After an impressive sophomore campaign that earned him the honor of being the Ravens’ first Pro Bowl wide receiver in franchise history, Zay Flowers second season came to an early end with a knee sprain in the regular season finale. The injury held him out of the team’s two playoff contests but, luckily, didn’t require surgery. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Flowers’ knee is already 100 percent. “No limits,” the 24-year-old told the media. As Jackson’s favorite target in 2024, Flowers became just the 10th receiver or tight end in franchise history to catch for 1,000 yards in a single season. Back to full health, he’ll look to become just the second to do so in back-to-back seasons (Derrick Mason did so in three straight years from 2007-09). A big part of that will be Flowers’ ability to reconnect with Jackson, something he began doing as soon as he completed his rehabilitation. Aside from the regular offseason practices in Baltimore, Flowers and Jackson have been working together in private workouts in Florida.
  • Since getting drafted in the fourth-round of 2022, cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis has had a disappointing start to his career. It seems as if offseason rumors pump him up every summer just for injuries to curtail his success in the fall. In three years, he’s only played in 19 games, and with a deeper cornerbacks group in 2025, his path to playing time has grown even longer. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Armour-Davis could find time as a safety. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr is reportedly cross-training the 25-year-old, and he’s seen as one of the smartest defensive backs in the building. If this experiment fails to pay dividends, though, Armour-Davis’ continued struggles to make an impact could result in his getting waived.
  • After a torn ACL ended an impressive rookie campaign in 2023, running back Keaton Mitchell had to wait until Week 10 to debut in his sophomore season, at which point it was difficult to work him into the offense. The team did find some special teams use for him as a kickoff returner in 2024, though, and per Zrebiec, Mitchell wants to be the primary returner for the team this year, as well. Mitchell should still be able to find some time in the offense in 2025; Derrick Henry will be the primary ball carrier, while Justice Hill functions as a third-down, receiving back, but Mitchell’s incredible speed will continue to be an excellent complement to both rushers. With fewer playing opportunities available on offense, though, Mitchell will look to utilize that speed in the open field on kickoff returns.

Ravens Activate Charlie Kolar From IR

The Ravens activated tight end Charlie Kolar from injured reserve on Friday, per a team announcement. He is expected to play in Baltimore’s regular season finale against the Browns on Saturday.

Kolar broke his arm during the Ravens’ Week 12 matchup with the Chargers, though he played through the injury for much of the fourth quarter. He landed on injured reserve later that week and was designated to return a month later.

The third-year tight end has quietly been an effective blocker in Baltimore’s league-leading rushing attack while taking full advantage of his limited opportunities as a pass-catcher. Kolar has recorded career-highs in targets (11), receptions (nine), and yards (131), including a Week 5 catch-and-run for a career-long 55 yards. His 3.12 yards per route run lead all tight ends with at least 10 targets, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), and he’s been targeted on 26.4% of his routes. With so many other weapons in the Ravens offense – including first-time Pro Bowler Zay Flowers – opposing defenses tend to overlook Kolar, especially when Lamar Jackson fakes a handoff to Derrick Henry.

Kolar’s recovery is an example of the Ravens’ relatively good health as they approach the playoffs. Only one started – nose tackle Michael Pierce – has been on injured reserve all year, and he has made an appropriately-big impact on the defense since his return in Week 15.

The Ravens did place cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis on injured reserve to clear a 53-man roster spot for Kolar. This is Armour-Davis’ second stint on IR this year and the fourth in his three-year career, reinforcing pre-draft injury concerns after he struggled with injuries at Alabama. He’s appeared in seven games this year with 94 snaps on defense and 135 on special teams. Armour-Davis will be eligible to return for the Super Bowl if the Ravens advance that far in the playoffs.

The Ravens also elevated defensive end Chris Wormley and wide receiver Anthony Miller from the practice squad for Saturday’s game. Both players have appeared in two games this season; Wormley has made four tackles on defense while Miller’s lone reception of the year went for 16 yards against the Texans on Christmas.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/26/24

Saturdays minor moves, including standard gameday practice squad elevations:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/23/24

Today’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Baltimore Ravens

Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys

Green Bay Packers

  • Signed: LS Matt Orzech
  • Waived: DL Jonathan Ford

New York Jets

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington Commanders

The Bears should soon be getting some offensive reinforcement. Most notably, lineman Larry Borom returned to practice today after missing the first chunk of the season with an ankle injury. The former fifth-round pick has been a reliable swing OT for the Bears over the past three years, starting 23 of his 39 appearances. The team will also welcome back Travis Homer, who has been sidelined since Week 3 with a finger injury. The veteran RB may have a tough time cracking the rotation upon his return with D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Khalil Herbert currently leading the depth chart. The Bears will have 21 days to activate either of the two players to the 53-man roster.

Jordan Phillips was back at Cowboys practice today after landing on IR in mid-September. The defensive lineman’s injury wasn’t ever made particularly clear; the Cowboys claimed the player was favoring his previously repaired wrist, although the player later hinted that he was forced to the sideline because of conditioning. After more than a month on the shelf, the veteran will now get another look. The Cowboys acquired Phillips from the Giants back in August, and the veteran only got into about one fourth of his team’s defensive snaps before landing on IR. Phillips appeared in 26 games for the Bills between 2022 and 2023, collecting 35 tackles and four sacks.

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/28/24

Minor transactions and practice squad callups for the Week 4 weekend:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

  • Elevated: G Kyle Hergel

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington Commanders

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/30/23

Here are today’s minor transactions and callups for the remainder of the Week 17 matchups:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Alualu is set to make his Lions debut after signing earlier this month. Given the injury issues Detroit has faced up front, the 36-year-old has the chance to see playing time through the close of the regular season and into the playoffs. Alualu expressed a desire to continue playing with the Steelers this offseason, but he remained a free agent deep into the year. His tenure in the Motor City could help boost his free agent stock if he wishes to remain in the league in 2024, though.

Marlon Humphrey To Undergo Surgery, Miss Regular-Season Time

While the Ravens added Rock Ya-Sin to their cornerback group this offseason, they might need more help soon. Their No. 1 cornerback is unlikely to be available for the season opener.

Marlon Humphrey has encountered an injury issue that will threaten his Week 1 availability, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com report (via Twitter). After taking part in a joint workout with the Commanders on Tuesday, Humphrey is not at practice today.

A foot injury will sideline the seventh-year corner, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who indicates (via Twitter) he will undergo surgery Wednesday. This procedure is expected to shut down Humphrey for an extended period, with Rapoport adding the Ravens are hopeful he can return in a little more than a month. That optimistic timetable, however, will still likely involve missed regular-season games.

This is a lingering issue, per John Harbaugh (via ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley), rather than an injury sustained during the joint practice. The 16th-year HC does not expect this to sideline Humphrey for a long-term period.

The former first-round pick suffered a torn pectoral muscle late in the 2021 season but rebounded to start 17 games last year. Prior to the five-game absence stemming from the chest injury, Humphrey had missed only three games in his first four seasons. An absence to start this year would deal a blow to the Ravens, who let Marcus Peters walk in free agency.

Baltimore made a substantial commitment to Humphrey in 2020, extending him on a five-year, $97.5MM deal. That contract runs through 2026. As Peters struggled to regain his form following an ACL tear that knocked him out for all of the 2021 season, Humphrey received Pro Bowl acclaim in 2022. Pro Football Focus viewed the Alabama alum as a top-15 corner last year, and at 27, the versatile cover man is squarely in his prime.

The Ravens did not make any major draft investments at corner, though they did add Kyu Blu Kelly in Round 5. The team came into today already dealing with injury issues at the position. Second-year cover man Damarion Williams, a former fourth-round pick who played 226 defensive snaps as a backup last season, underwent ankle surgery this week and will not be ready in time for the season, Harbaugh said (via The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec). Baltimore hopes to have Williams back in October, Zrebiec tweets, pointing to an IR stay to start the season. In addition to Williams, Jalyn Armour-Davis and recent pickup Arthur Maulet were down with injuries.

Williams, who began Ravens camp on the active/PUP list, would seemingly be in play to become one of Baltimore’s IR activations. At this point, it is premature to suggest Humphrey would join him. An IR move — after the team sets its 53-man roster — would cost Humphrey four games. Given his value to the team, it seems likelier it will go week to week with its top corner.

The Ravens already entered camp with a question at slot corner, an area where Humphrey has excelled at points. Williams joined the likes of Brandon Stephens and Ar’Darius Washington in vying for that gig. The team trading Chuck Clark is set to move Kyle Hamilton, a slot player last season, to a pure safety role. With Humphrey likely shelved for the start of the season, the Ravens have another big question to answer as camp continues.