Can Marlon Humphrey Bounce Back in 2026? Rod Woodson Thinks So - And Here's Why That Matters
The 2025 Baltimore Ravens were a tough watch. A team that entered the season with playoff expectations ended up delivering one of the most inconsistent and disappointing campaigns in franchise history. And while there’s plenty of blame to go around, one name that stood out - for all the wrong reasons - was Marlon Humphrey.
Just a year removed from an All-Pro season in 2024, Humphrey’s 2025 was a far cry from the lockdown corner we’re used to seeing. He struggled mightily in coverage, gave up big plays far too often, and was frequently targeted by opposing quarterbacks who clearly didn’t fear throwing his way. For a player of his caliber, it was a jarring regression.
But before writing off the veteran corner, it’s worth taking a closer look at what went wrong - and more importantly, what could go right in 2026.
Rod Woodson Weighs In
NFL Hall of Famer and Ravens legend Rod Woodson offered some valuable insight into Humphrey’s down year during a recent appearance on The Vault podcast with Bobby Trosset and Sarah Ellison. According to Woodson, the issue wasn’t just Humphrey’s physical decline - it was how he was being used.
“I know this past year, they went back to the old school way of playing him on the low hip, which I'm not a fan of,” Woodson said. “I still think [Humphrey] can play. I think if he plays on the upfield shoulder like he did in previous years, he plays his best football… I just think asking him to play on the low hip put him in a bad spot, especially when you don't have the same foot speed as you had four or five years ago.”
That’s a nuanced take from someone who knows the position inside and out. Playing on the low hip - essentially trailing a receiver from behind - can be effective for corners with elite recovery speed.
But for a veteran like Humphrey, who’s lost a step due to age and injuries, it’s a tough ask. Woodson pointed directly at the coaching staff for that decision, calling it a “technical adjustment” that didn’t play to Humphrey’s strengths.
Injuries and Scheme: A Tough Combination
Humphrey’s 2025 season wasn’t just marred by schematic misfires - he was also banged up for most of the year. A calf injury in Week 4 sidelined him early, and he never seemed to fully recover. Add in a nagging finger issue and a late-season knee injury, and it’s easy to see why his performance dipped.
But even when he was on the field, the Ravens’ defensive approach didn’t do him any favors. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s schemes left corners exposed far too often, and with a pass rush that failed to generate consistent pressure, quarterbacks had all day to throw. That’s a nightmare scenario for any cornerback, let alone one dealing with injuries and adjusting to a role that doesn’t suit him.
It wasn’t just Humphrey, either. Second-year corner Nate Wiggins also struggled in coverage, finishing near the top of the league in total yards allowed. When both your starting corners are consistently giving up chunk plays, it’s a sign that something’s broken - and not just at the individual level.
Still Some Signs of Life
Despite the rough year, Humphrey showed flashes of the player he used to be. He came away with four interceptions - a solid number for a corner in a struggling defense - and those turnovers came at critical moments. In a unit that lacked playmakers, Humphrey’s ability to step up when the team needed it most was a reminder that the talent is still there.
That’s what makes the upcoming season so intriguing. With a new coaching staff in place, led by defensive-minded head coach Jesse Minter, there’s real potential for a turnaround. Minter’s arrival signals a renewed focus on discipline, technique, and putting players in position to succeed - all things that could benefit Humphrey in a big way.
The Cap Conundrum
Of course, there’s also the business side of football to consider. Humphrey carries a cap hit north of $26 million in 2026, and reports have floated the possibility that he could be a post-June 1 cut - a move that would save the Ravens roughly $19.2 million in cap space. That’s no small number, especially for a team looking to retool in multiple areas.
But cutting ties with a proven veteran like Humphrey comes with risk - especially when the cornerback room is already thin. Moving on from him now could leave the defense even more vulnerable, unless there’s a clear succession plan in place.
What Comes Next?
Humphrey’s 2025 season was far from what we’ve come to expect, but it wasn’t without context. Injuries, schematic misfires, and a lack of support up front all contributed to his struggles. With better health, smarter coaching, and a more cohesive defensive unit, there’s every reason to believe he can rebound in 2026.
Rod Woodson certainly thinks so - and when a Hall of Fame corner speaks on the nuances of defensive technique, it’s worth listening.
If Jesse Minter and his staff can tailor their system to fit Humphrey’s strengths, we could see a return to form for one of Baltimore’s most important defensive players. And for a Ravens team looking to bounce back from a forgettable season, that could make all the difference.