Baltimore, MD – June 25, 2025
A former defensive captain and beloved veteran has made headlines after publicly expressing his desire to return to the team that gave him his NFL identity, sources told ESPN on June 24, 2025. Currently with the New York Jets, the veteran defender is hoping to finish his career in Baltimore, where his leadership and toughness first earned national respect.
The statement came during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I WANT TO FINISH MY CAREER WITH THE RAVENS, THE TEAM THAT GAVE ME MY CHANCE AND WILL ALWAYS HAVE MY RESPECT,” he declared. The player, now 30 years old, said he plans to play two more seasons before hanging up his cleats.
That player is none other than Chuck Clark, a 2017 sixth-round pick out of Virginia Tech who rose from special teams contributor to the heart and voice of Baltimore’s defense. Between 2019 and 2022, Clark started 59 games, calling plays from the secondary and posting career highs including 96 tackles in 2020, along with two interceptions and a fumble recovery, per NFL.com.
After being traded to the Jets in 2023, Clark suffered a torn ACL and missed the entire 2024 season. Now nearing full recovery, he’s entering the final year of his deal and could be a low-cost, high-impact option for the Ravens. Spotrac reports his current cap hit is manageable, keeping the door open for a potential reunion.
Baltimore’s secondary — led by Kyle Hamilton, Marcus Williams, and breakout defender Brandon Stephens — remains elite, but lacks a veteran safety with Clark’s knowledge of Mike Macdonald’s scheme and locker room presence. Per The Athletic, coaches still speak highly of Clark’s influence even after his departure.
The fanbase hasn’t forgotten either. “Baltimore gave me my identity as a player,” Clark said. “This city believed in me when nobody else did.” That selfless attitude earned him a permanent place in Ravens lore.
Online, the buzz was immediate. @RavensHive posted: “Chuck Clark coming back would be the perfect ending. He’s still that guy.” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added, “Clark’s case reflects a growing trend: veterans wanting to finish where they started.”
With over $28 million in projected 2026 cap space, GM Eric DeCosta has the flexibility to make such a move. For a team chasing another Super Bowl, bringing back a proven leader could offer the emotional spark and strategic depth they need.
For Clark, this wouldn’t just be a homecoming — it would be closure.
Stay tuned to ESPN!
