Superstars usually dominate NFL headlines, but unheralded veterans often steady the ship when things go awry. For the Baltimore Ravens, that player may be Chidobe Awuzie, whose steady presence is earning increased recognition ahead of the 2026 season.

NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice recently highlighted Awuzie as the Ravens' “Most Underappreciated Player” heading into the new season. Filice noted both his value and his late-season stumble.

“Awuzie’s debut campaign in Baltimore ended on a low note," he wrote. "Everyone remembers Tyler Loop’s missed field goal, handing the rival Steelers the AFC North title in the final game of the regular season, but it was Awuzie’s slip in coverage that gave Pittsburgh a late lead in the first place."

Despite that tough finish, Awuzie was a stabilizing presence for Baltimore's secondary last season. Reports state that when the Ravens traded Jaire Alexander and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, Awuzie stepped up.

The team had signed a modest one-year, $1.255 million contract in 2025. Starting opposite the 2024 first-round draft pick Nate Wiggins, his reliability kept the defense from falling apart. 

During the 2025 regular season, Awuzie posted solid numbers across 14 games. He recorded 43 total tackles (29 solo) and, while he did not register any interceptions, he excelled at breaking up plays with seven pass defenses. His steady presence provided exactly what Baltimore needed to stabilize their secondary.

Following this, the team re-signed a contract with Awuzie, increasing his contract deal to $5 million. According to reports from Heavy.com, by the conclusion of the 2026 season, Awuzie’s career earnings will total approximately $51.7 million.

Ravens Have Solidified Their Roster By Re-Signing Chidobe Awuzie In 2026

The Baltimore Ravens made a smart move by bringing back veteran cornerback Awuzie. By keeping him on the team, the Ravens do not have to stress about searching for another starting outside defender in free agency or the draft.  ESPN’s Jamison Hensley also specified this.

 “Awuzie, 30, is a solid No. 3 corner behind Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey," said the analyst. "He proved to be one of the more dependable cover guys last season, with seven passes broken up, which ranked fourth on the team. “ 

Before Awuzie, Marlon Humphrey, and Nate Wiggins struggled with tight-window throws, with them racking up 21.1% and 20.4%, respectively, as per Next Gen Stats. However, Awuzie forced tight-window throws on 27.6% of his targets.

Awuzie brings a wealth of experience to Baltimore. His journey started in 2017 when the Dallas Cowboys drafted him in the second round out of Colorado. He quickly became a full-time starter in Dallas before signing a three-year contract worth $21.75 million with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, according to ESPN.

During his most productive year in Cincinnati in 2021, he racked up 64 tackles and 14 pass deflections. Over his nine-year football career, he has played in 108 games and started 86 of them. He has also recorded 7 interceptions and 73 pass deflections. 

By keeping Awuzie, the Ravens have ensured their defense remains strong and ready for a championship run. 

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar