Ravens Safety Ar’Darius Washington Tears Achilles, Season in Jeopardy

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens will be without safety Ar'Darius Washington for much of the 2025 season after he tore his Achilles during a conditioning session. The injury was confirmed by an MRI, as reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Washington, 25, recently signed a one-year, $3.263 million restricted free agent tender and was expected to form a strong safety trio with Kyle Hamilton and rookie Malaki Starks. His absence poses a significant challenge for the Ravens’ defense, which relied heavily on Washington’s capabilities last year.

Last season marked a breakout year for Washington, who was an undrafted free agent in 2021. He played all 17 games, making 10 starts, and recorded a career-high 64 tackles, along with two interceptions and a forced fumble. His performance helped solidify Baltimore’s defense, which ranked first in the NFL in run defense.

“Ar’Darius is a great example of a guy who got a chance and ran with it,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said earlier this year. His growth as a player after injuries limited his first three seasons had impressed coaching staff and fans alike.

With Washington likely landing on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Starks is expected to step into a larger role. Baltimore drafted Starks in the first round of the recent draft, making the transition easier, although the team may still explore adding a veteran safety given the injury situation.

The Ravens have several other young safeties, including second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade, who could fill the gap alongside Starks. As teams make roster cuts in August, Baltimore may seek additional options to bolster their defensive lineup.