Ar’Darius Washington is a current safety for the Baltimore Ravens. Washington has defied the odds set against him and has become a pivotal player for the Ravens Super Bowl run. Coming out of college, he was a great player for the TCU Horned Frogs. Ar’Darius Washington started two seasons for TCU and was projected as a late round draft pick. That was because he didn’t test well and he was only 5-8 and 176lbs.
Unfortunately, he was not drafted and was signed as an unrestricted free agent right after the 2021 draft. He made the team, but in November of his rookie season he had a foot injury that put him on Injured Reserve. He knew the next year he would have to fight very hard for a spot on the team, but was cut in training camp before being signed to the practice squad the next day. He played mostly on special teams for the rest of the season
In 2023, Washington had a great preseason showing, but against the Bengals early in the season he was placed on IR after suffering a chest injury and was not activated until early January. So far, he has dealt with several injuries that slowed down his progress, but now in his fourth year, he hasn’t let that stop him. In 2024, the last year of his rookie contract, he started the season as a special teamer like always. But after the poor play of veterans Marcus Williams and Eddie Jackson, the Ravens were sort of forced to give him a real opportunity to show something and he took advantage of it. He came into the NFL as a nickel back but has transitioned to safety.
Senior Tyler Ellis said, “He’s a very good and hardworking safety even though he’s 5-8.”
In week eight of the season, he was officially given the starting role and has played so well he hasn’t given it back. Eddie Jackson was waved later in the season and Marcus Williams has been a healthy scratch the past few games. Senior Naim Dominque said, “He’s way better then the other safeties the Ravens got.”
After the Ravens wildcard win against the Steelers, Wahington and the Ravens prepare for the Bills. One thing you cannot deny is he has put his name on teams’ radars and is primed to receive an extension, hopefully from the Ravens.
