The Baltimore Ravens face a significant challenge in the 2025 season with the loss of safety Ar'Darius Washington, who tore his Achilles and is expected to miss most or all of the season. Washington had become a pivotal part of the Ravens' secondary, recording 64 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 8 passes defensed in 2024. His absence leaves a void in a defense that had improved to allow just 214 passing yards per game over the final ten games last season.

In response, the Ravens will rely on rookie Malaki Starks, a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, to step into the starting safety role alongside All-Pro Kyle Hamilton. Starks, a First-Team All-American from Georgia, brings a strong collegiate pedigree to the Ravens' secondary. The team may also increase the roles of second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade, and consider signing veteran safeties like Justin Simmons or Julian Blackmon to bolster depth.

Despite Washington's injury, the Ravens' defense remains formidable with key players like linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. The strategic foresight in drafting Starks could mitigate the impact of Washington's absence, maintaining the Ravens' status as a strong defensive unit in the AFC North.