Last season, former general manager Tom Telesco did a fine job of putting together the roster for the Las Vegas Raiders. Sure, he fumbled in a few spots, such as the quarterback position, but he also nailed some, like the Christian Wilkins signing.
I would say that one of the moves that felt like a good one at the time, but ended up being one that didn't really hurt or make the Raiders better, was the addition of defensive tackle John Jenkins. He did have one moment against the Los Angeles Chargers, which hurt the team, considering he took some frustrations out on his former team and got a penalty. But, overall, he wasn't good or bad.
However, he is not returning in silver and black in 2025. Instead, he is going to a team where he will have a chance at winning a Super Bowl ring.
The Baltimore Ravens signed 35-year-old defensive tackle John Jenkins to a one-year contract to strengthen their defensive line. A 2013 third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, Jenkins has played 12 NFL seasons across six teams, including the Saints, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, and, of course, the Raiders.
At 6-foot-3 and 327 pounds, he’s a durable run-stopper who started all 17 games for the Raiders in each of the last two seasons. His signing fills the Ravens’ need for a nose tackle, where Jenkins should be able to help the Ravens keep their elite run defense from last season.
Jenkins has appeared in 150 NFL games with 64 starts, recording 319 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. While not a big pass-rusher, he’s effective at clogging running lanes, fitting well in Baltimore’s 3-4 defense alongside Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones.
Last season, the Ravens fell just short of playing for a ring, and this year, they are predicted to be a strong contender once again. Jenkins will have a shot at playing for a Super Bowl ring, at least a much bigger shot than he would have with the Raiders.
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