Ravens: 4 trades the team could explore this summer
By Justin Fried
4. The Ravens could trade Anthony Averett
The Ravens have arguably the deepest cornerback group in the NFL, and it starts at the very top.
Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters might very well be the best cornerback duo in the league. Jimmy Smith has been a rock-solid member of Baltimore’s secondary for years. When healthy, Tavon Young has proven to be a more-than-capable slot corner.
The Ravens have depth at cornerback. As a result, one player who likely hasn’t been given the chance he deserves is Anthony Averett.
A fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Averett has impressed in limited playing time over the first three years of his career. But the problem has been just that — playing time.
Averett has struggled to find a way into the starting lineup given the depth the Ravens have in their secondary. The 26-year-old will be entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2021.
And at this point, it’s hard to see him getting a second contract, mostly because the Ravens will have other priorities next offseason. As such, it might make sense to explore a trade if they could get something substantial for him.
Let’s get one thing straight first. This is the least likely trade on this list to actually happen. The Ravens love having extra cornerback depth and for a team in win-now mode like they are, it doesn’t make sense to trade away a player who could be a valuable asset.
But if the price is right, it’s something they might consider. Especially following the additions of Brandon Stephens and Shaun Wade who could each play all over in the secondary.
Averett is a good player, but another team might benefit more from his presence than Baltimore does.