Ravens may have missed their shot at top trade target after TNF statement

The Baltimore Ravens are in the market for pass rushers. After their latest flurry of acquisitions in safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Alohi Gilman, it is clear they still have hopes of competing in 2025. The Odafe Oweh trade has made their pass rush room shallow, and it is likely General Manager Eric DeCosta is searching for answers at the position.

There are a slew of potential options on the market to fill the Ravens’ need. Miami Dolphins outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are obvious candidates given the team's 1-4 record. However, possibly the most highly sought-after piece in New York Giants’ pass rusher, Kayvon Thibodeaux, may have gone off the market after a tremendous team performance on Thursday Night Football.

While he did not tally a sack in New York’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles, he was feasting on their rushing attack. The standout showing helped move the team to 2-4, and with the young group headed by Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo looking competitive, the Giants are likely no longer sellers.

Thibodeaux would have fit well into Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s defense. The 24-year-old is finally breaking out, but as a part of a young, dominant defensive line and a squad with a bright future ahead, DeCosta may have to shift his attention elsewhere.

Ravens may have to search elsewhere for pass-rush help

Baltimore’s pass rush group would have significantly benefited from Thibodeaux’s services. Their defense has only tallied six sacks through five games in 2025, a mark that ranks tied for third-worst in the NFL, and their run defense has allowed 732 rushing yards, which ranks fifth-worst. Thibodeaux’s 72.4 run defense and 65.3 pass rush grade, per Pro Football Focus, would have slotted in perfectly, but there are other trade candidates available.

Chubb might be the most enticing option. He looks fully recovered from his ACL tear that he suffered in 2024 and is already up to four sacks this year. He is a veteran with 43.5 career sacks, but at 29 years old, he probably does not fit into the Dolphins’ future plans. His hefty contract could make him a tough to move, though, which could make him a buy-low option for the Ravens.

Baltimore also worked out former second-round pick Drake Jackson. Jackson totaled three sacks in back-to-back seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2022 to 2023, before being released due to a knee injury.

There are other needs in Baltimore, including interior defensive line and offensive guard. Still, the lack of depth at outside linebacker is concerning, and Thibodeaux is just another potential trade option crossed off the list.