Sometimes a change of scenery can be refreshing for an NFL veteran. The Ravens are hoping that newly signed cornerback Kyle Arrington can provide them what many other teams roster casualties have provided over the years – success.
On Thursday, following his physical, Arrington officially became a member of the Ravens secondary and spoke to the media gathered for his introductory press conference at the team’s training facility.
Arrington, a Brandywine, Maryland native is excited about the opportunity to play in his home state for a team that he has played several times in his 86 career games with the New England Patriots.
“Being up there in New England, we’ve had a few things to say about the folks down here,” Arrington said with a chuckle. “I’m sure the folks down here, it’s been vice versa. To be on the opposite side of the fence, it will be… interesting.”
“I’m just thrilled and excited to be part of a tremendous, proud, winning organization,” Arrington said. “I really can’t
tell you how rewarding it is to be able to continue to be part of tremendous organizations like these.”
Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees shined like a kid with a new toy when speaking about the addition of the Super Bowl winning cornerback, particularly his experience and his ability to play several positions.
“Kyle is really a great get for us,” said Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees, who coached Arrington for his rookie season in New England. “This guy is a great football player. He’s going to really add a lot to us.”
The 5-10, 190-pound Arrington has registered 292 tackles (239 solo), 9 interceptions (133 return yards and 1
touchdown), 48 passes defensed 3 sacks (-11 yards), 6 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries during his career with.
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome stated several times over the offseason that the organization was not done adding personnel to the roster despite the passing of the biggest wave of free agency and the NFL draft.
The addition of Arrington finally gives the Ravens a slot corner, a position that they have desperately needed since the departure of Corey Graham following the 2013 season.
Last season, the Ravens’ secondary was hit hard by injuries when six DBs (five CBs and one safety) were placed on IR. Twelve different CBs were on the Ravens’ 53-man roster at some point in 2014. Arrington hopes to provide stability at the position.
“I try to go out there and prove it to myself,” he said. “I’m a blue-collar football player. I just like to put on my
hard hat and go to work.”
Ranked as the league’s 36th best cornerback in 2014, Arrington played 576 total snaps last season. The majority of those snaps coming as a slot corner where he fared well. The lanky Arrington was targeted 45 times allowing 25 receptions for 298 yards and 1 touchdown.
“Sometimes when you get released by a team, it’s kind of surprising sometimes how good news that is for somebody else, and I think that was great news for us.” remarked Dean Pees.
Here’s to hoping we think it’s great news once the season gets underway.
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