Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington understands what it means to get a second chance.
On the field, that fresh start came last month when the team acquired him from Oakland in exchange for a fourth-round pick, ending his disappointing stint with the Raiders.
The 2005 first-round pick from Nebraska had fallen out of favor after starting just three games last season after starting 25 the previous two years.
Washington, who had 40 tackles and an interception last year, became expendable when Oakland acquired DeAngelo Hall in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons and signed him to a seven-year, $70 million contract with $24.5 million guaranteed.
“I felt that I needed a fresh start and I?m happy the Baltimore Ravens gave me the opportunity,” Washington said. “I knew I was going to be traded somewhere, but I just didn?t know where. Once they picked up DeAngelo, it was pretty much set in stone that I wasn?t going to be back next year. I was just watching and waiting for a call. Just like most draft picks, I was waiting for a call. Sunday morning, I got that call from the Ravens.”
Washington also knows he received a second chance off the field last month when he learned he would avoid prosecution for a February domestic violence charge against his girlfriend if he completes a 26-week intervention course for first-time offenders and stays out of trouble.
“That was a one-time mistake,” Washington said. “I?ve never been in trouble. That was me letting my emotions get the best of me. It?s over and done with.”
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said he believes Washington?s legal troubles are behind him and he should provide the team by providing depth in the secondary, an area impacted greatly by injuries and inconsistent play last season.
The team hoped to answer that need in the draft, but felt landing a proven, 24-year-old veteran was better than anyone available in the collegiate ranks after the third round.
“Hopefully, he will come in and compete,” Newsome said. “I think that?s what makes our team as good as it is, that guys can be very competitive. In our division, they throw three receivers out there on the field in a hurry.”
Washington was in Baltimore last week and made a great first impression with his play during the team?s voluntary mini camp.
“We have to feel like that was a steal,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “To get a corner of his caliber in the fourth round of the draft ? a corner that talented ? they just weren?t available at that point.”
