Ravens Make Key Roster Moves: Wallace & Hummel Join, Williams Cut, Pierce Retires

The Baltimore Ravens added key depth to some thin position groups. Wide receiver and returner Tylan Wallace was brought back on a 1-year deal, and former LA Rams linebacker and special teamer Jake Hummel joins the Ravens. Michael Pierce surprisingly announced his retirement after 9 years in the NFL, including 7 in Baltimore. The Ravens Flock will miss his big personality and his big gut. Marcus Williams and the Ravens agreed to go their separate ways after a disappointing season. Williams did not live up to the big free agent contract he signed in 2022. He will be designated as a post June 1st cut to spread his remaining salary cap hit over multiple years.

Ravens Re-Sign WR Tylan Wallace: Bigger Role Ahead in 2025

Tylan Wallace, coming off his most productive season as a Raven, signed a 1 year deal to stay in the Ravens receiver room. Wallace caught 11 balls for 193 yards, both career highs, and his first career receiving touchdown. His most impactful play of 2024 came when he broke a few tackles and sprinted down the sidelines for 84 yards, a huge play during an important win over the Bengals.

Wallace has been underutilized on offense during his 4 years in Baltimore. He has good hands and fills the role of a possession receiver very well. While he lacks top end speed, he was able to get open consistently, and also was a productive blocker which is a requirement for Baltimore pass catchers. He should have a bigger role this season, taking a lot of Nelson Agohlor’s snaps as the best blocking receiver on the team. There are now 5 receivers on the roster including Wallace and newcomer DeAndre Hopkins, but the team could still take another wideout with a late round draft pick.

Don’t sleep on him as a returner as well, Wallace had one of the wildest touchdowns in Ravens history when he scored a walk-off punt return against the Rams. The Oklahoma State product will also continue to play snaps on punt coverage.

Ravens Sign LB Jake Hummel to Bolster Special Teams & Depth

The signing of Jake Hummel fills a huge need for middle linebacker depth and solid special teams play. The Ravens already lost LBs Chris Board and Malik Harrison, who played the most special teams snaps last year. 

Hummel is more of a special teams staple than an impact linebacker on defense. He blocked a punt against the Bills last year that was returned for a touchdown. He also had just 17 tackles last year, which was a career high. 

Hummel played with fellow Ravens Charlie Kolar (TE) and T.J. Tampa (DB) at Iowa State. The Ravens will rely on Trenton Simpson to play next to Roquan Smith on defense, but they may still try to sign another veteran.

Ravens DT Michael Pierce Retires After 9 Seasons in the NFL

Big Mike will be missed next season at the bank. Pierce was a classic Raven, an undrafted guy out of Samford who overcame long odds to make the team, and ended up hanging around for nearly a decade. Pierce was a massive nose tackle who always did the dirty work in the trenches, taking on multiple blockers to free up space for his teammates to make a play. 

Pierce was a popular voice on Ravens Wired, the weekly recap show that included behind the scenes sounds from the previous week's game. Pierce and longtime teammate Brent Urban’s bromance was captivating and hilarious to watch every week. He will be remembered for his personality, his huge frame, and his jelly roll sack dance. Pierce did save the best for last, making his only career interception during his final regular season game. 

It’s a shame Pierce didn’t get the ring he deserved, but he still went out on a great note. When Pierce was asked why he knelt down instead of trying to return the INT, he said he was out of gas. Turns out that was true in many ways. Best of luck to Big Mike in whatever he does next.