Defensive lineman Jihad Ward, who recently agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Ravens, says his first year in Baltimore was marked by the coaches’ ability to foster a fun, loose environment en route to a 14-2 season.
Ward originally signed with the Ravens Oct. 7 shortly after he was released by the Indianapolis Colts. After giving up 500-plus yards for the first time in team history against the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns in Weeks 3 and 4, respectively, the Ravens rebuilt their defense on the fly, with the signing of Ward one of several moves toward that end.
The 6-foot-5, 287-pound Ward played in 11 games, posting seven tackles, two fumble recoveries and one sack as part of the defensive line rotation. A free agent this offseason, Ward was looking for somewhere close to home – he’s a Philadelphia native — and a place where he felt comfortable. Baltimore checked both boxes.
