Will Hill signs with Baltimore Ravens

The New York Giants released star free safety Will Hill earlier this offseason, as his short leash ran out after he was arrested for yet another off-field transgression. Hill, who has been suspended by the league three times now since he came into the NFL out of Florida in 2012, was released after being suspended for the first six games of the 2014 season. He can’t seem to get things together, as he continues to make poor decisions and has essentially been choosing marijuana over an incredibly promising football career.

Live Feed

Ebony Bird

A team was bound to take a flier on one of the league’s most talented coverage safeties, and the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson reports that the Ravens have signed Hill today. He could be a great fit for the Ravens after his suspension, as he and Matt Elam would form a formidable safety duo. Hill is always a risk to get into trouble, but he’s only 24 and was one of the top safeties in the league last season. He’s an ideal free safety who shores things up in deep coverage, and that would allow Elam to roam free closer to the line of scrimmage next season.

For now, Elam’s partner at safety will be veteran Darian Stewart, unless if intriguing rookie Terrence Brooks stakes his claim. Elam played at free safety last season as a rookie out of Florida in order to accommodate James Ihedigbo, who is an SS-only player, and he should have a huge sophomore season after a promising 2013 campaign. In a more comfortable position, Elam should play hard-nosed run defense and has the ability to shore things up in short and intermediate coverage.

Ozzie Newsome has had a terrific offseason, and I like the decision to sign Hill. It’s a worthwhile gamble on a suspended player, because he could be a legitimate star and difference-maker on the Ravens defense if he can avoid the off-field issues and constant suspensions that threaten to ruin his career.