The Baltimore Ravens are reinforcing their special teams unit, and they’ve done so by bringing in a proven performer. According to reports, the Ravens have acquired Jake Hummel, a former Los Angeles Rams special teams ace, to help fill key voids left by free agency departures.
Hummel, 26, spent the last three seasons with the Rams after going undrafted out of Iowa State in 2022. While he may not be a household name, his impact on special teams has been undeniable, and Baltimore is a team that understands just how crucial the third phase of the game is.
With special teams veterans Malik Harrison (Steelers) and Chris Board (Giants) heading elsewhere, the Ravens needed to reload. Hummel brings high-level experience, versatility, and a blue-collar mentality—traits that fit perfectly into the Ravens’ DNA.
Let’s dive into why this move matters for Baltimore.
Hummel may not have been a big-name star in Los Angeles, but he carved out a niche role as a special teams warrior. Since joining the Rams in 2022, Hummel has been a core piece of their third unit, logging an impressive 77% of special teams snaps in 2024 and an even higher 80% in 2023.
While primarily a special teamer, Hummel has also contributed on defense, playing 74 defensive snaps last season and finishing with a career-high 17 tackles.
The Ravens love players like this—gritty, hard-working, and willing to make an impact in multiple ways.
Losing Malik Harrison and Chris Board in free agency created a major hole on special teams. Both were crucial to Chris Horton’s unit, and their departures left Baltimore in need of fresh talent.
Hummel fits the bill perfectly. His high snap count on special teams in Los Angeles shows he can be an immediate plug-and-play option in multiple areas—kickoff coverage, punt coverage, and even blocking assignments.
For a team like Baltimore that prides itself on elite special teams play, Hummel’s experience is invaluable.
While special teams is his bread and butter, Hummel also adds much-needed depth behind Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson at linebacker.
With Patrick Queen now in Pittsburgh, Baltimore’s linebacker room needed reinforcements. While Hummel isn’t expected to be a defensive starter, his ability to step in when needed provides additional security in case of injuries.
The Ravens love versatile, multi-phase players, and Hummel’s ability to contribute on both special teams and defense makes him a perfect fit.
Special teams have always been a priority in Baltimore. From the days of Sam Koch and Morgan Cox to the current dominance of Justin Tucker and Jordan Stout, the Ravens consistently invest in making their third phase of the game one of the league’s best.
Chris Horton, the team’s respected special teams coordinator, has maintained a top-tier unit every season. But that only happens when you stack the roster with the right players—hard-nosed guys who understand their role and excel in it.
Hummel is exactly that type of player.
With Hummel now in the fold, the Ravens’ special teams unit remains in good hands heading into 2025. However, there are still some moving pieces to watch:
Jake Hummel isn’t a flashy signing, but he’s a necessary one. In true Ravens fashion, they’ve added a gritty, high-energy player who will bring consistency and toughness to special teams—a unit that has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s success for years.
Hummel fills a critical role left by departed free agents and provides depth at linebacker, making him a valuable chess piece for John Harbaugh and Chris Horton.
If history tells us anything, it’s that Baltimore finds ways to get the most out of their special teams standouts. Don’t be surprised if Hummel becomes one of the team’s most underrated contributors in 2025.
For Ravens fans, this move may fly under the radar, but make no mistake—it’s the kind of savvy addition that helps win games when it matters most.