Between 2016 and 2019, and again from 2022 to 2024, the Baltimore Ravens benefited greatly from Michael Pierce’s presence in the heart of their defensive line. The former Samford standout became a key piece of Baltimore’s defense before announcing his retirement earlier this month at 32.
With Pierce stepping away from the game, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta believes they’ve found his successor at nose tackle in veteran John Jenkins, a 12-year NFL journeyman. The team shared the news Friday via their official X account.
Jenkins brings a wealth of experience, having appeared in 150 games across six teams, including two separate stints with both the Bears and Dolphins. Calling his career path “well-traveled” might be putting it lightly.
Originally selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round (82nd overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft, the former Georgia Bulldog spent four seasons with the team that drafted him.
In 2016, Jenkins signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks before joining the Chicago Bears in 2017 and 2018. He then had a brief spell with the New York Giants in 2018 and 2019, although he was released just before the season started. The Miami Dolphins quickly signed him three days later.
Jenkins returned to the Bears in 2020, then back to the Dolphins for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, before heading to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. That season, he started all 17 games, notched a career-best 61 tackles, defended four passes, collected one sack, and scored his first defensive touchdown in a 63-21 rout of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Over his career, Jenkins has started 64 games, totaled 319 tackles (140 solo), 15 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and two recoveries.
Now, he steps into a significant role in Baltimore, aiming to fill the void left by Pierce’s retirement.