Jenkins Extends Stay with Ravens, Securing Future in Baltimore
Baltimore, MD – Veteran defensive tackle John Jenkins has officially secured his place with the Baltimore Ravens after agreeing to a contract extension. The agreement, finalized Friday, comes just ahead of a highly anticipated game against the Steelers.
Jenkins originally joined the Ravens in May on a one-year deal, brought in to bolster the team’s defensive line following Michael Pierce’s departure. Now, the Ravens have extended Jenkins’ contract for another year, worth $2.1 million, ensuring he remains in Baltimore with a sense of security.
Jenkins’ journey in the NFL has been a long and winding one. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2013 after a successful college career with the Georgia Bulldogs. Since then, he has played for several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and Miami Dolphins. Despite his experience and consistent play, Jenkins has never had a long-term contract until now, making this extension with the Ravens a significant milestone in his career.
Throughout his time in the league, Jenkins has consistently demonstrated his value as a strong and reliable defensive player. At 6-foot-3 and 327 pounds, he occupies significant space on the defensive line, making it difficult for opposing teams to run the ball.
In the 2024 season with the Raiders, Jenkins played in all 17 games, recording 46 tackles, including 13 solo tackles, one sack, and two pass breakups.
This season with the Ravens, Jenkins has continued to be a key contributor, stepping into the starting lineup due to an injury to Nnamdi Madubuike. So far this season, Jenkins has recorded 36 tackles, including three for loss, and two forced fumbles. His contributions have been vital to the Ravens’ defense, which currently ranks 11th in the NFL in stopping the run, allowing an average of 107.1 rushing yards per game.
Jenkins’ individual performance has also been noteworthy. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 67.4 is his best since 2021, reflecting his consistent improvement and effectiveness on the field.
The decision to extend Jenkins’ contract raises questions about the future of fellow defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike. Madubuike, a two-time Pro Bowl player, was placed on injured reserve. Before his injury, Madubuike had been a consistent presence on the Ravens’ defensive line, playing in 55 consecutive games since his rookie season in 2020. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded an impressive 21.5 sacks in 36 games.
The Ravens have also recently signed Travis Jones to a three-year contract extension. These moves suggest that the team is strategically solidifying its defensive line for the future. The Ravens are ensuring they have a strong and reliable defensive front moving forward with Jenkins and Jones secured.
The Ravens are aiming for continued success and stability on the defensive line by securing key players like Jenkins. The extension not only benefits Jenkins, providing him with long-term security, but also strengthens the Ravens’ defense as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
