Ozzie Newsome isn't afraid to take a chance on a troubled but talented player.
On Friday the Baltimore Ravens signed safety Will Hill.
The New York Giantscut Hill this offseason after he was suspended six games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Â
The 24-year-old safety, who can practice in camp and participate in preseason games, won't be eligible to return until Oct. 13.
The six-game ban marked Hill's third suspension in two years. Hill previously served a four-game suspension in 2012 for performance-enhancing drug use. He then missed the first four games of the 2013 campaign for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
The Ravens had an open roster spot after Aaron Ross tore his Achilles tendon Thursday. Hill is participating in practice Friday.
Baltimore is taking a low-risk, high-reward chance on Hill, who played spectacularly for the Giants down the stretch of last season. If he sticks with the team, the ball-hawking free safety could bolster a young back end when he comes off the suspension.
"If we need it, Will will provide depth in the middle of the season," Newsome said, per the Baltimore Sun.
Hill's checkered history has undercut his talent throughout his young career. If John Harbaugh's staff can straighten out the safety's off-field issues, the Ravens could have found a gem. Talent gets fourth chances, but Hill is walking a very fine line with his NFL future.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" offers up team-by-team training camp previews of the NFC East and NFC West.
