From 2016 through 2019, then again from 2022 through 2024, the Baltimore Ravens were spoiled by Michael Pierce's play in the middle of the defensive line. The former Samford Bulldog became an anchor on the defensive line while in Baltimore before retiring earlier this month at the age of 32.
General manager Eric DeCosta and the Ravens now think they've found their replacement at nose tackle for Pierce in 12-year veteran John Jenkins, as the team announced on X on Friday.
Jenkins joins the Ravens after 150 games of NFL experience, split between six teams, with two separate stints with two of those organizations. To say Jenkins has bounced around in the league would be an understatement.
After being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round with the 82nd overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the former Georgia Bulldog played four seasons with his original team.
Jenkins signed a one-year, free agent deal with the Seattle Seahawks for the 2016 season, then spent two years in Chicago with the Bears in 2017 and 2018.
The New York Giants were Jenkins' next home for 2018 and 2019, although he was released in the last round of cuts before the regular season started. The Miami Dolphins picked up Jenkins just three days later.
Jenkins returned to the Bears for 2020 and the Dolphins for 2021 and 2022 before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of the 2023 campaign. He started all 17 games that season and recorded his first career scoop-n-score in the Raiders' 63-21 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He recorded a career-high 61 tackles that season and defended four passes had had one sack.
For his career, Jenkins has started 64 games with 10 passes defended, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, 4.5 sacks with 319 tackles with 140 solo and 15 for loss.
Now, he'll have big shoes to fill in Baltimore.