Ravens vs. Patriots: Familiar Faces Set for Primetime Reunion at M&T Bank Stadium
When the Ravens and Patriots take the field under the Sunday night lights at M&T Bank Stadium, it won’t just be a clash of AFC contenders-it’ll be a reunion. Both sidelines will feature players who’ve swapped colors over the years, bringing a little extra edge to this flexed 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff.
Let’s break down the notable crossovers-players who’ve worn both the purple and black of Baltimore and the red, white, and blue of New England-and what they bring to their current teams.
Baltimore Ravens: Former Patriots Now in the Flock
Jonathan Ward, RB
Ward’s journey through the league has been the definition of persistence.
After bouncing on and off the Patriots’ practice squad earlier this season, he landed in Baltimore in early December. The 28-year-old back brings depth and experience, having logged 46 NFL games since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
His stat line-91 rushing yards, 52 receiving yards, and one touchdown-doesn’t jump off the page, but his value lies in his versatility and special teams contributions. Ward’s bounced around (Arizona, New York, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, and New England), but his current stop in Baltimore could offer a fresh opportunity.
Scotty Washington, TE
Washington’s NFL story has had its share of twists.
The former wide receiver out of Wake Forest transitioned to tight end and made his debut with the Patriots in dramatic fashion-tipping a third-and-29 Hail Mary that turned into a touchdown for Jakobi Meyers on Christmas Eve. Now 28, he’s been with the Ravens’ practice squad since 2023 and continues to develop in a hybrid role that leans on his receiving background.
He’s also had stints with other AFC North teams, giving him a unique perspective on the physicality of the division.
Kyle Van Noy, LB
Few players in this matchup carry as much history with New England as Van Noy.
A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, Van Noy has reinvented himself in Baltimore. Since joining the Ravens in 2023, he’s racked up 23.5 sacks in 42 games-production that earned him his first Pro Bowl nod last season.
At 34, he’s still making impact plays, including a pick-six. Drafted by Detroit in 2014, Van Noy’s best years came in Foxborough, where he earned a spot on the Patriots’ All-Decade Team.
Now in Baltimore, he’s become a key piece in a defense that thrives on pressure and versatility.
David Olajiga, DT
Olajiga’s path to the NFL is one of resilience and international promise.
The London native joined the Ravens via the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program in October, shortly after being released from the Patriots’ practice squad. He spent training camp and preseason with New England, logging 54 defensive snaps before clearing waivers.
Though undrafted in 2024, the 28-year-old defensive tackle has shown enough upside to earn a spot on Baltimore’s practice squad. He’s still developing, but the Ravens see potential in his raw power and size.
New England Patriots: Former Ravens Now in Foxborough
D’Ernest Johnson, RB
Johnson’s career has been anything but conventional.
After going undrafted in 2018, he made a name for himself in the AAF before catching on with the Browns, where he earned FedEx Ground Player of the Week honors in 2021. Now with New England, Johnson joined the practice squad in late October and has since earned a spot on the 53-man roster.
He’s played in 100 NFL games, tallying nearly 1,000 rushing yards and over 450 receiving yards. Before landing in Foxborough, he had a brief stint with the Ravens earlier this year.
With three touchdowns and three starts to his name, Johnson brings veteran savvy and a change-of-pace option to the Patriots’ backfield.
Morgan Moses, OT
Moses has been a rock on the Patriots’ offensive line since signing a three-year deal in March.
The 34-year-old right tackle hasn’t missed a start this season and has played nearly every offensive snap-97.8 percent, to be exact. Originally drafted by Washington in 2014, Moses later signed with Baltimore in 2022 before being traded to the Jets in 2024.
That deal sent him to New England, where he’s continued to anchor the right side of the line. With 172 career starts, Moses brings leadership and durability-two traits New England desperately needed up front.
What It All Means Heading into Sunday Night
These aren’t just footnotes on the roster. These are players with real ties, real experience, and in some cases, real production for their former teams. Whether it’s Van Noy chasing down a former teammate, Johnson looking to prove he still belongs, or Moses protecting against a defense he once practiced with, the personal stakes will be high.
When the lights come on at M&T Bank Stadium, don’t just watch the stars. Keep an eye on the familiar faces who’ve walked both sidelines. They might just be the difference-makers.