OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Turning a blind eye toward perception less than 24 hours after the announcement of the Ray Rice suspension, the Ravens signed former New York Giants safety Will Hill to their 90-man roster on Friday.
The 24-year-old will serve a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy to begin the 2014 season. Hill was also suspended for violating the same policy in 2012 for reported marijuana use and was suspended for a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy for alleged Adderall use last year.
The Giants waived Hill in early June after the news of his latest suspension, which he blamed on second-hand marijuana smoke. He would not be eligible to play for the Ravens until Week 7, but Hill can take part in training camp and preseason games.
“[He’s] a good football player,” coach John Harbaugh said. “I had a chance to get to know him; I like where his head is at this time, right now, and we’ll see how he does.”
An undrafted free agent out of the University of Florida in 2011, Hill started 10 games for the Giants last season and was the third-highest ranked safety in the NFL in Pro Football Focus’ grading system. He collected 77 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups in 12 games overall. Hill also appeared in 12 games in 2012, collecting 38 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup.
Hill’s signing could signal the Ravens’ concern at the free safety position with veteran newcomer Darian Stewart currently competing with 2014 third-round pick Terrence Brooks and veteran special-teams standout Jeromy Miles for the starting job. The troubled safety’s talent is apparent, but three suspensions in such a brief period of time and other off-field issues going back to his college days signal a clear lack of maturity and dedication.
After placing injured cornerback Aaron Ross on injured reserve Thursday, the Ravens had an open spot on their 90-man preseason roster.
