The Baltimore Ravens officialized the retirement of defensive tackle Michael Pierce on Monday by placing him on the reserve/retired list, as reported by the NFL transaction wire. To fill the vacancy on the defensive line, the Ravens signed defensive tackle John Jenkins, also confirmed by the same source. These roster moves were anticipated, with the team timing the transactions strategically to manage salary cap implications and avoid cutting other players.
Michael Pierce’s Career and Retirement Details
Michael Pierce, age 32, began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent out of Samford in 2016 when he joined the Ravens. After completing his rookie contract, he returned on a restricted free agent tender before signing a three-year, $27 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Although slated for a fully guaranteed $3 million in 2020, Pierce opted out of the season due to the pandemic, with the contract tolled into 2021. The Vikings released him in 2023, after which he re-signed with Baltimore and agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million extension.
Throughout his nine-season career, including seven with the Ravens, Pierce appeared in 99 games and started 59. His statistics include 238 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, six recoveries, six passes defensed, and one interception.
John Jenkins’ Journey to Joining the Ravens
John Jenkins, 35, entered the NFL as a third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2013. His early professional years included three seasons with the Saints before being waived in 2016. Jenkins then joined several teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, and Las Vegas Raiders during his career. He signed multiple short-term contracts, including one-year deals with the Bears and Dolphins in 2020 and 2022, respectively, before joining the Raiders in 2023.
In the 2024 NFL season, Jenkins played in all 17 Raiders games, starting each one, and recorded 46 tackles, one sack, and two passes defended, showcasing his consistent role on the defensive front.
Implications of These Changes for Baltimore’s Defensive Line
Michael Pierce retiring marks the departure of a durable and experienced run-stopper for the Ravens, while the signing of John Jenkins provides a veteran presence to bolster their defensive tackle depth. The Ravens’ management of contract timing and roster spots reflects a careful approach to maintaining competitiveness while managing their salary cap. Jenkins’ experience across multiple teams and recent playing time should help fill the gap left by Pierce’s exit as Baltimore looks to maintain a strong defensive line moving forward.