The Baltimore Ravens continue to rebuild their defense by agreeing to terms on a three-year, $6 million contract with former Oakland Raiders safety Michael Huff. During the 2012 season the athletics safety voluntarily moved to cornerbact and in 2013 will replace Ed Reed.
Huff’s experience allows for young safties Christian Thompson and Emanuel Cook to learn and not get thrown into the mix too soon. Only other move so far was to re-sign veteran James Ihedigbo.
In 2006 he got taken as the seventh overall pick in the 2006 draft after a standout collegiate career at Texas. Last season Huff recorded 56 tackles, two interceptions and 13 pass defensed last season while primarily playing cornerback.
This was due to rash of injuries in the Raiders secondary. He is a solid tackler with decent ball skills and at times will struggle in coverage. For his career has totaled 11 interceptions and 55 passes defended. Career season came in 2010 when he had 94 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and three interceptions. He got named to the All-NFL second team as well.
With Huff he adds athleticism and position flexibility to the Ravens’ secondary. Has experience playing strong safety which is where the Raiders put him the first two seasons in the NFL and during the next four seasons played free safety. 2012 saw him play 14 of 16 games at cornerback.
He’s another wise signing by GM Ozzie Newsome as he continues the rebuilding process of his defense. Huff is five years younger than Reed, has missed just four games in his seven-year career and his average annual salary is less expensive. Thanks in large part to this week’s additions of Huff and Elvis Dumervil, the Ravens are a good bet to improve – likely significantly – on last year’s 17th-ranked defense.
The Ravens also may figure to take a safety in the draft but this gives them his experience they need at that spot.
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