The Baltimore Ravens have been rumored to be buyers at the trade deadline. While they started the season with a record of 1-5, their bye week has completely changed the tone of their 2025 campaign. They bounced back with a 30-16 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 8, and followed that up with 28-6 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night.
It is safe to say they have made their way back into playoff contention, and in a weak AFC North, General Manager Eric DeCosta should be aggressive on the trade market with the deadline less than a week away.
The Ravens could search for improvements at offensive guard, but most moves, if any, will likely come on the defensive side. Reports have indicated they are looking for depth at cornerback, but another area of need is the defensive line.
Baltimore’s nine sacks in 2025 rank tied for second-worst in the NFL. It is obvious that they need help at outside linebacker, but the interior also needs another game-changer. The losses of defensive tackles Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington have tested the defense. If the team truly wants to compete, they will need to find another key contributor to fill the role of those on injured reserve.
A perfect trade target could be Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
Ravens could make a trade for Calais Campbell
ESPN recently released an article highlighting team needs, players to watch, and buzz around the league, with the trade deadline fast approaching. For Baltimore, the potential target Seth Walder highlighted was Campbell. Walder wrote:
“At age 39, Campbell is still producing. His 15.4% pass rush win rate ranks third at defensive tackle, and his run stop win rate would rank in the top five among interior defenders if he qualified. Campbell would be a short-term solution and wouldn't require an over-investment in draft capital or contract.”
The Ravens are very familiar with Campbell. He played for them from 2020 to 2022, totaling 11 sacks throughout that stretch and earning a Pro Bowl nod. In 2025, with Arizona, he is still an above-average starter, even in his age-39 season.
Campbell is up to three sacks through seven games, and has posted a 78.3 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, which places him 12th among defensive linemen. He is a proven pass rusher and stout run defender, turning in a 68.0 pass rush grade and 75.7 run defense grade. Campbell would fit perfectly into Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s defense, and would add another veteran leader to a team working to turn around a disastrous start to their season.
There are no guarantees that Baltimore ends up buying. Regardless of how weak their remaining schedule is, they have put themselves in a troubling position. However, if they want to compete, they need to make drastic improvements.