Welcome back to Loose Feathers, a regular round-up of the latest news and analysis about the Baltimore Ravens. In today’s edition, we cover an NFL comeback by a familiar face, the Commanders’ approach to Wednesday’s joint practices, and another decade of an iconic Baltimore partnership.
Ex-Ravens OLB Tyus Bowser mounts NFL comeback
Ravens fans probably don’t think fondly of outside linebacker Tyus Bowser. Their most recent memories of him are of a mysterious non-football injury that sidelined him for all of the 2023 season and led to his release
and a subsequent grievance against the team. It’s a shame, too, as Bowser was a true SAM linebacker, a disappearing archetype in modern defenses that primarily use nickel personnel. His advanced coverage skills and burgeoning pass-rush tool bag made him a dangerous hybrid weapon that Mike Macdonald surely would’ve found new ways to unleash.
Bowser signed with the Dolphins and the Seahawks after leaving Baltimore in 2024 but did not spend time with any team last year. He has been working towards an NFL return this summer, starting with a workout for his former division rivals, the Browns, two weeks ago.
Browns Try Out EDGE Tyus Bowser – Connor Byrne (Pro Football Rumors)
Bowser, a 2017 second-round pick, was a Raven for his first seven NFL seasons. He took on a limited role over his first two years, but the Ravens were much more reliant on him from 2019-22. He registered yearly defensive snap shares ranging from 40% to 60% over that four-year stretch.
After Bowser set career highs in tackles (34), quarterback hits (14), pass deflections (five) and interceptions (three) over 16 games in 2020, the Ravens awarded him a four-year, $22MM contract. The investment panned out in 2021, when Bowser worked as a full-time starter during his lone 17-game season. Bowser achieved new personal highs in tackles (59), QB hits (15) and sacks (seven), but a Week 18 Achilles tear derailed his career. After a long rehab process, Bowser played just nine games in 2022. He then missed all of 2023 as a result of a knee injury, and the Ravens released him during the ensuing offseason.
Bowser did not receive a deal from the Browns, but he may from the Texans following a torn Achilles suffered by fourth-year defensive end Dylan Horton.
Texans work out Tyus Bowser –Aaron Wilson (KPRC2)
Texans workout went well for Tyus Bowser, per league source. No immediate signing, but strong option for veteran pass rusher and former
[University of Houston] standout to potentially join team later as they firm up 53, practice squad
Commanders prepare for joint practices in Baltimore
Commanders view joint practice vs. Ravens as important evaluation opportunity – Zach Selby (Commanders.com)
The Ravens are viewed as a significant step up in competition, though. Like the Commanders, the Ravens have gone through several changes with a new coaching staff, but they have been to the playoffs in six of the last eight years and won the AFC North four times in that span. They still have Lamar Jackson at quarterback and a defense that has new additions like Trey Hendrickson and draft pick Zion Young. They will be a more daunting task, but the Commanders are approaching the practice with the same intensity as they do everything else.
Baltimore icons team up for another decade
Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour Announce 10-Year Partnership Extension
The Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour announced Tuesday a 10-year extension of their longstanding partnership, continuing to bring together two iconic Baltimore-based brands. With a shared commitment to the local community, the partnership will bring added value to Ravens fans with a new exclusive Ravens x Under Armour product collection, elevated hospitality experiences at M&T Bank Stadium and continued investments in youth football initiatives and the Under Armour Performance Center.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Under Armour, a brand that shares our Baltimore roots and our commitment to excellence,” Ravens Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer Kevin Rochlitz stated. “Through this extension, Ravens fans will see new and exciting touchpoints across M&T Bank Stadium, from exclusive merchandise at the Flock Shop to enhanced hospitality experiences at the Under Armour Landing. Beyond gameday, this partnership will continue to invest in youth football and create meaningful opportunities for young athletes across our community.”
