The Baltimore Ravens re-signed veteran DE Brent Urban on Aug. 2, 2025, to bolster their D-line after Michael Pierce's retirement. Learn why this move is key.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Some things in Baltimore just feel right. Crabcakes, the Inner Harbor, and Brent Urban lining up in purple and black. Just when it seemed like the veteran defensive end's time with the Ravens might have passed, the team made it official on Saturday, re-signing the 34-year-old stalwart to shore up a defensive line in transition.
Eight of his eleven NFL seasons have been spent in Baltimore. Brent Urban isn't just a player; he's part of the defensive furniture.
The timing of this signing is no coincidence. Following the recent retirement of nose tackle Michael Pierce, the Ravens found themselves in need of a reliable, experienced body in the trenches. Enter Urban. While the terms of the one-year deal were undisclosed, the value is clear. He knows the system, he's a consummate professional, and he provides immediate, trustworthy depth. Last season, he played 23% of the defensive snaps, chipping in with 20 tackles. It's not a flashy role, but it's a crucial one for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Urban rejoins a defensive line that looks different than the one he left. With Justin Madubuike now paid as a certified superstar, the unit is building around him. Travis Jones is expected to take another step forward, while the team also brought in veteran John Jenkins and intriguing rookie Aeneas Peebles. Urban's role will be to provide that steadying presence, eat up snaps to keep others fresh, and serve as a mentor to the younger players in the room. His ability to fit seamlessly back into the rotation is paramount.
The biggest immediate challenge for Urban will be getting up to speed. Having missed all of OTAs, minicamp, and the first week-plus of training camp, he has ground to make up. Conditioning and playbook retention will be his first hurdles. The coaching staff knows what they have in the 2014 fourth-round pick, but they'll need him to ramp up quickly to be a factor in the preseason and ready for Week 1. It's a tall task, but one a seasoned pro like Urban is built for.
With Urban back in the fold, all eyes now turn to the practice field. How quickly can he integrate, and how will his presence impact the snaps for younger players like Aeneas Peebles? This move solidifies the defensive line depth chart, but the competition for reps is just heating up as the first preseason game approaches. Welcome back, Brent. The Flock is glad to have you.
