Former 2021 Undrafted Safety Reaches Deal with the Giants
Ar’Darius Washington, a hard-nosed safety who went undrafted out of TCU in 2021, carved out a meaningful role with the Baltimore Ravens over multiple seasons as a versatile defensive back known for his tenacity despite his smaller stature. Entering free agency in the 2026 offseason after five accrued years in Baltimore, Washington drew interest from teams seeking depth in the secondary. It has now been reported that he has signed with the New York Giants for a one-year deal. This move allows Washington to continue his NFL journey, potentially expanding his impact beyond his Ravens tenure, where he proved reliable as a starter and on special teams.
Washington's professional career began modestly after TCU, where he showcased ball skills with seven interceptions over three college seasons, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2019 and Honorable Mention All-Big 12 in 2020. In his Ravens stint, he appeared in 29 games, accumulating 85 tackles, 56 solo, two interceptions for 33 yards, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and 10 passes defended across limited but impactful snaps. His breakout came in 2024, logging 64 tackles, eight passes defensed, and those two picks while rotating effectively in nickel and dime defenses. Though injuries limited earlier years, such as just 11 tackles in two games in 2023, Washington earned praise for his instincts and physicality, positioning him as a valuable free-agent target without major accolades like Pro Bowl nods yet.
Washington's 2025 season epitomized his resilience, as he suffered a torn Achilles in May but staged a remarkable comeback by Week 14, suiting up in at least four late-season games. In that span, he notched seven tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a key quarterback pressure, providing crucial depth for a Ravens defense navigating injuries. His return injected energy into the secondary, highlighted by a feel-good narrative of grit that captivated Baltimore fans. Looking ahead with the Giants, Washington should deliver similar rotational value as a slot specialist, excelling in coverage against shifty receivers, run support, and special teams, where his speed and tackling could immediately shore up weaknesses and contribute to playoff pushes.
