Ravens Re-Sign Special Teams LB Kristian Welch

A staple of Baltimore Ravens football from the new decade will return to Charm City.

Per ESPN, the Ravens have brought back linebacker Kristian Welch on a non-restricted free agent deal. The 24-year-old Welch will return for a fourth season in purple since arriving as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2020. 

Officially listed as a linebacker, Welch has made a large impact on Baltimore special teams. He has partaken in 33 games over the past two years, including all 17 last season. The 10 solo special teams tackles he earned during the 2021-22 season were tied for the eighth-best tally in the NFL during his sophomore season.

Though he played only four regular season snaps on defense, Welch took advantage of three starts in summer exhibitions with 15 tackles. He saved the best for last, picking up 10 tackles (including 2.5 sacks) and three further quarterback pressures in a 17-15 win over the Washington Commanders, the Ravens' 23rd consecutive summer triumph. 

While the preseason winning streak means nothing come the fall, Welch has more than justified his continued presence. 

Thanks to the efforts of Welch and others, Baltimore's special teams enjoyed a strong season, ranking third on Football Outsiders' DVOA rankings and tied with Denver for allowing the sixth-fewest yards on kickoff coverage. 

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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