4 players Ravens can realistically acquire at NFL trade deadline
By Matt Sidney
The Baltimore Ravens are a very good football team. They have the most explosive offense in the NFL: Derrick Henry has turned back the clocks, Zay Flowers has been on fire, and Lamar Jackson is the MVP frontrunner.
To further enhance the offense, Ravens' GM Eric DeCosta absolutely fleeced the Carolina Panthers in a trade for star receiver Diontae Johnson. It wasn't the major trade anyone saw coming, but Johnson can be a dangerous player in this offense.
After the Johnson trade, Ravens fans were left wanting more. Yes, a trade for another good receiver was helpful, but the positions of true need reside on defense. It's no secret the Ravens' defense has struggled this season, especially against the pass.
The defensive breakdowns in the secondary are frustrating, but they are avoidable with concerted effort and practice.
What’s harder to ignore is the lack of quarterback pressure from our defensive front. Elite cover corners and zone safeties don’t come cheap, so the smartest move might be tapping into the deep pool of pass-rushing talent available at the trade deadline.
4 players the Baltimore Ravens could make a move for before the trade deadline
Carolina Panthers: Jadeveon Clowney, DE
If the Ravens are serious about bolstering their pass rush, Jadeveon Clowney might be within reach despite the Panthers’ reluctance to part ways with him. Carolina could soften their stance if the Ravens offer a promising piece like David Ojabo in return.
For Baltimore, adding Clowney’s physical edge presence would bring a seasoned disruptor into the rotation, a solid move for a team with Super Bowl ambitions.
Cleveland Browns: Za'Darius Smith, DE
If the Ravens want a familiar face to juice up their pass rush, Za'Darius Smith could be the move. He’s already made an impact against Baltimore this season, and now that Cleveland’s ready to sell, Smith is a real option for a playoff-bound defense.
The Ravens might need to outmaneuver Detroit to bring him home, but Smith’s production and energy could make him a game-changer down the stretch.
New Orleans Saints: Chase Young, DE
Chase Young could be a game-changing trade target for the Ravens ahead of the deadline, giving their pass rush some serious firepower. The 25-year-old former No. 2 overall pick would add depth Baltimore has missed since losing Jadeveon Clowney, and he’d be a great fit alongside Odafe Oweh and company.
While Young hasn’t hit his rookie-year heights, his explosive potential could make Baltimore’s front seven even scarier for that elusive Super Bowl push.
New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari, OLB
Azeez Ojulari stands out as a strong trade target for the Ravens if they’re looking to add edge-rush depth before the deadline. With 22 career sacks and off to his best season start yet, Ojulari has shown he can bring consistent pressure, though he’s currently just a rotational piece in New York’s defense.
Baltimore may have to beat out teams like the Chiefs for him, but Ojulari’s pass-rushing boost would fit perfectly alongside Roquan Smith and Odafe Oweh as the Ravens look to make a Super Bowl push.
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