Ravens’ 2023 fan favorite finds fresh start after offseason overhaul

This past offseason, it was clear the Baltimore Ravens needed a complete revamp of their secondary. The group gave up the second-most passing yards in the league in 2024, which forced them to move on from former starters Brandon Stephens and Marcus Williams. 

In response to losing those two veterans, they added a pair of cornerbacks in Chidobe Awuzie and Jaire Alexander and drafted safety Malaki Starks. The defensive back room was horrific last season, but now looks to be the best in 2025. It is so loaded that they also had to move on from some great rotational pieces.

Slot corner Arthur Maulet was released in March, which created $2.2 million in cap space that would eventually help Baltimore sign Awuzie and Alexander. Maulet was a key contributor in 2023, posting a 70.3 overall grade per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Unfortunately, a knee injury limited him to just three games in 2024.

Maulet was talented, but Baltimore had bigger plans. It would have been great to see him find a way back on the roster, however, it looks like it has worked out for both parties. The Ravens now have an elite secondary, and Maulet has landed with a new team with a greater opportunity.

The 32-year-old signed with the Houston Texans on Monday, as reported by NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe. Houston has two Pro Bowl-level starters with Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, but the depth is not as strong. Maulet should have a chance to make some critical plays for a playoff-caliber team in 2025.

Arthur Maulet and the Ravens officially move on

Maulet can be a gamechanger in all facets of the game. While he has been inconsistent throughout his career, 2023 showcased the player he could be if he puts it together for a full season. The eight-year veteran can lock up opposing wide receivers from the slot, play the run well, and be an effective blitzer from his corner position. He earned an above-average grade in each of these roles in 2023, per PFF.

While the Ravens are losing an outstanding slot corner, they have more than enough depth. Marlon Humphrey earned first-team All-Pro honors from the spot last year, and safeties Starks and Kyle Hamilton have the versatility to provide reps there.

The team has plenty of other cornerbacks who can play in the slot, too. The secondary prides itself as being positionless, as most players can line up anywhere defensive coordinator Zach Orr needs them. Specifically, Alexander has experience there, and scouts expect rookie sixth-round pick Robert Longerbeam to be a slot-only corner.

While it would have been awesome to bring back Maulet, there was too much talent for it to make sense.