The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of reasons to keep a close eye on the Baltimore Ravens throughout the 2026 NFL season. The two AFC North rivals have yet to meet this year, but Baltimore has already made an interesting move involving a player who recently spent time in Pittsburgh. Former Steelers defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins has found himself a new opportunity, and his destination is certain to raise some eyebrows. Although Jenkins struggled during his time with the Steelers, his familiarity with the organization could become an interesting factor in the rivalry.
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Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins (31) during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Pittsburgh recently decided to move on from Jenkins after his stint with the team failed to produce the results the organization was hoping for. The veteran defensive back never established himself as a particularly reliable answer in the secondary, and the Steelers ultimately elected to explore other options. His departure was not necessarily a major surprise considering the circumstances. However, the possibility of Jenkins joining a division rival creates an entirely different conversation.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the latest development involving Jenkins and his immediate future in the league. Baltimore has decided to bring the veteran defensive back into its organization, giving him another opportunity to contribute. The move also means someone with recent knowledge of Pittsburgh's defensive operation is now working for one of the Steelers' biggest rivals.
"Ravens signed DB Rayshawn Jenkins to their practice squad," Schefter reported.
On the surface, this is a relatively ordinary NFL transaction. Teams regularly add experienced defensive backs to their practice squads to improve depth and provide additional options throughout a long season. Jenkins has spent years in the league, making him a reasonable candidate for an organization looking to strengthen its secondary.
However, this particular signing comes with an intriguing wrinkle. Jenkins recently spent time learning Pittsburgh's new defensive system, working alongside its players, and preparing under the Steelers' coaching staff. That experience could give him information about the organization that Baltimore might find useful.
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Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins (20) practices before the game at Huntington Bank Field.
The Steelers and Ravens have not played each other during the 2026 season as mentioned, making the timing especially interesting. Both organizations still have their head-to-head matchups ahead of them, and those games frequently carry considerable significance in the AFC North. Even seemingly minor details can become important when two familiar opponents are preparing for one another.
Jenkins could potentially offer Baltimore insight into Pittsburgh's defensive terminology, communication methods, and personnel responsibilities. He might also be familiar with certain tendencies or adjustments the Steelers have emphasized during practices and meetings. None of that guarantees Baltimore will gain a meaningful advantage, but it is certainly a possibility worth considering.
There is an important distinction between understanding a defensive system and successfully exploiting it. NFL coaching staffs regularly change their plans based on opponents, injuries, and personnel availability. Pittsburgh also has the ability to adjust its approach before facing Baltimore, particularly if the coaching staff believes certain information could be compromised.
Still, the Ravens would have little reason to ignore any useful perspective Jenkins might provide. Baltimore already possesses considerable familiarity with Pittsburgh because the two organizations compete in the same division. Adding someone who recently worked inside the Steelers' building could potentially provide another layer of preparation.
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The move is also interesting because Jenkins' time in Pittsburgh did not go particularly well. The Steelers had opportunities to evaluate his performance and ultimately decided he was no longer part of their plans. That makes his arrival in Baltimore more noteworthy for the knowledge he might possess than anything he demonstrated on the field.
Of course, Jenkins could still provide value as a defensive back. Baltimore may simply believe his experience makes him a worthwhile addition to its practice squad. There has been no indication that the Ravens signed him specifically to gather information about Pittsburgh, and suggesting otherwise would go beyond what has been reported.
Do you believe Rayshawn Jenkins could give the Baltimore Ravens useful information about the Pittsburgh Steelers? Let me know on X @anthonyghalkias.
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