Logo

Ravens Elevate WR Hidden Gem to Active Roster After Steelers Offer to Steal Him

Baltimore, MD – 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ urgent search for a George Pickens replacement nearly landed them a wide receiver from across the division. But the Baltimore Ravens weren’t about to let him slip away.

According to multiple reports, the Steelers expressed interest in signing Keith Kirkwood off Baltimore’s practice squad after Pickens’ season-ending injury. By league rules, Kirkwood could have been added directly to Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster if he accepted the offer.

Instead, the Ravens responded decisively—elevating Kirkwood to their own active roster on Tuesday. The move protects the 29-year-old and ensures he’ll remain in Baltimore for at least three weeks as he now secures a full roster spot.

Kirkwood’s career path has been anything but ordinary. Undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, he joined the New Orleans Saints as a free agent and quickly proved himself by scoring two touchdowns as a rookie. He later re-signed with the Carolina Panthers, where he continued to shuttle between the active roster and practice squad, seeing sporadic snaps but earning praise for his durability and professionalism. Over his career, he has appeared in 34 games, recording 24 receptions for 294 yards and 3 touchdowns. Off the field, Kirkwood is also known as a selfless teammate and a reliable option on special teams.

In the run-up to the 2025 season, Kirkwood drew interest from multiple teams, but he chose to sign with the Ravens for a bigger opportunity in the AFC North. In Baltimore, he practiced behind Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor, wearing No. 18, while also taking on additional responsibilities on special teams.

Now, with the Steelers circling, the Ravens made the call to keep him in-house. For Kirkwood, it’s a chance to prove himself on the active roster; for the Ravens, it’s about protecting a trusted veteran and preventing a hated AFC North rival from poaching him at a moment of weakness.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

HC Ravens “Threatens” DC Zach Orr in Tunnel After Home Loss to Texans – Fans Rally Behind John Harbaugh
Baltimore, October 5, 2025 – The historic matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans on October 5, 2025, has become a dark chapter in the Ravens’ legacy. With a crushing 3-41 defeat at home in M&T Bank Stadium – the first time the Texans have ever won there – the Ravens’ defense was torn apart, sparking an outpouring of fury from fans. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reveal scathing criticism focused on the team’s dismal performance, a depleted defense plagued by injuries, and, most prominently, the role of defensive coordinator (DC) Zach Orr. Fans have taken to the platform, with the hashtag #FireZachOrr trending rapidly within hours of the game’s end. This loss wasn’t just a blowout in score; it marked a complete collapse of the Ravens’ defense, once considered a “steel wall” under previous coordinators. Despite facing a Texans offense ranked a mediocre 25th in the NFL, the Ravens allowed 41 points, a performance comparable to earlier losses against heavyweights like the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs. Fans didn’t hold back: “Worst defense in the NFL, giving up 35.4 points per game, 21 touchdowns allowed, 409 yards permitted – all dead last,” one user raged, adding, “Firing Zach Orr isn’t the solution? Then fire him too.” Another fan screamed, “Fire Zach Orr now! We’re making the Texans look like the real Ravens.” Injuries to the defense, with key players like Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton either sidelined or playing limited snaps, were a factor. However, fans argue this doesn’t excuse Orr’s failures as DC, a role he’s held only since last season. “Even with the defense completely decimated, we’re giving up the same points as when we had a full roster in Weeks 1 and 2. This is Orr’s worst look,” one user commented sharply. Some even compared Orr to legendary DCs like Rex Ryan or Wink Martindale, calling this “the worst Ravens defense in history.” Another added, “Zach Orr is the worst DC we’ve ever had. Letting a 25th-ranked offense drop 40+ points is on play-calling and execution.” Amid the outrage, a sizzling rumor spread on X: after the final whistle, head coach John Harbaugh reportedly “threatened” Zach Orr in the stadium tunnel. Posts described Harbaugh, known for his fiery demeanor, pointing and yelling at Orr, possibly over failed defensive decisions like insufficient blitzing or inability to adjust to C.J. Stroud’s mobile playstyle. Though unconfirmed by the Ravens, the rumor spread like wildfire, with one fan writing, “Harbaugh paving the way for Orr’s exit? Hope the Texans drop 50 next time so both get the boot.” Others suggested this signals internal cracks, with Harbaugh himself potentially facing pressure if the season continues to spiral. While Orr bore the brunt of the criticism, Harbaugh wasn’t spared either, though the defense remained the primary target. “Orr’s a good guy, but he has no identity, no experience calling plays. We shouldn’t have given him the DC chair to begin with,” one user analyzed. Fans even floated replacements like Chuck Pagano or Anthony Weaver, a former Texans DC now with the Ravens. Over 20 posts within 24 hours called for “Fire Zach Orr,” garnering thousands of interactions, reflecting the deep frustration of the #RavensFlock. The Ravens currently rank dead last in NFL defensive standings, and this loss may be the breaking point. The team’s leadership has yet to respond officially, but fan pressure is mounting. Will Zach Orr hold onto his role, or is this the start of a major shakeup in Baltimore? The X community is watching closely, and answers may come sooner than expected.