Ravens release UDFA Jordan Toles for safety Eddie Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens made a splash by signing safety Eddie Jackson on Friday, July 19, on the eve of training camp. However, to make room for the veteran safety, Baltimore needed to release undrafted rookie free agent Jordan Toles.

KPRC 2 Houston Editor Aaron Wilson posted on his X account“#Crows plans to release undrafted rookie safety Jordan Toles (6-1, 209, 4.45 @MorganStateU according to a league source, after adding veteran safety Eddie Jackson.

General manager Eric DeCosta brought in the rookie after the 2023 draft, and he appeared to be a contender for the No. 3 safety spot behind starters Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams. However, it seemed a given that the Ravens would eventually bring in a veteran safety, and it turned out that Jackson was the one who joined the Ravens.

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley confirmed on his X account: “To make room for the addition of safety Eddie Jackson, the Ravens have waived undrafted rookie safety Jordan Toles.”

Toles played college football for LSU and Morgan State before going undrafted this season. Head coach John Harbaugh praised the prospect in May during rookie camp: “He’s looked really good the last couple days. I just think he’s an instinctive player who has a high level of ability, so we like those guys.”

It’s a tough time for Toles just before camp begins, but he’ll have a chance to play with another team or join the Ravens if he gets injured.

Defender Jordan Toles has the tools to contribute in the NFL

It’s a tough situation for Toles, but that’s life in the NFL and the rookie will have to roll with the punches.

Glenn Erby, a reporter for USA Today’s The Ravens Wire, covered the news and wrote: “Toles is a Baltimore native who recorded 66 tackles, along with three interceptions, in 2023 during his senior season at Morgan State.”

Gerald J. Huggins, who provides scouting for HBCUs, posted about the recruit on May 4“A dynamic safety known for his hard-hitting style and agility in run defense, bringing value on special teams and the potential to improve in coverage and play diagnosis to solidify a spot as a versatile NFL prospect.”

Toles played two seasons for the LSU Tigers as a freshman and sophomore before transferring to Morgan State during his junior season.

Erby wrote: “Toles was selected to the All-MEAC first team, emerged as one of the league’s top players during the 2023 season and became a finalist for the Aeneas Williams Award.”

Toles has good size and speed for his position in the NFL, so he should have some opportunities to prove he can make the transition to the professional level.

Eddie Jackson’s arrival at the Ravens would limit playing time

When defensive end Geno Stone left to join the Cincinnati Bengals in the offseason, the Ravens found themselves short on players behind their two starters.

Toles was one of the options considered to replace the 2023 starter, but the idea was that a veteran would likely be brought in. The Ravens had been linked to Justin Simmons and Jamal Adams for much of the offseason.

However, when Adams joined the Tennessee Titans, the prevailing idea was that Simmons would become the primary target. However, DeCosta surprised many by bringing in former All-Pro Jackson.

The addition gives the Ravens a solid safety group, but also means there’s unlikely to be a path to steady playing time for an undrafted rookie like Toles.

However, it’s important to note that Williams has been dealing with injuries for much of 2023 and Hamilton is still recovering from offseason issues, so Toles could still make a reappearance later in training camp.