The Baltimore Ravens are widely expected to be buyers entering Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season. At 1-5, one more loss will likely force them out of playoff contention, but for now, they are looking for every way possible to improve their roster.
While many of their troubles can be attributed to the countless injuries that have plagued both sides of the football, even when they were healthy, the team was struggling. That was especially true for Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit, which has failed to pressure opposing quarterbacks and lock up in coverage.
The acquisition of safety Alohi Gilman in the Odafe Oweh trade has helped the secondary, as they took strides in their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but the pass rush was still atrocious.
Baltimore’s play from their outside linebackers must improve, but their interior defensive line also needs to find an answer. They will be without defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike for the rest of the season, who was the only lively piece on the Ravens’ defensive front. They may have their answer, though, after recent reports surrounding an All-Pro defensive lineman could signal a trade is on the horizon.
SNY’s Connor Hughes recently reported that New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams could be available ahead of the trade deadline, and his value might be surprisingly low.
“I was told by someone very tied into [the Quinnen Williams] situation, that the Jets are probably looking at a two for him. And the reasoning for that is that there's no real substantial guaranteed money left on his deal after this year,” Hughes said. “The perception out there is that Quinnen’s not necessarily happy, the Jets have rebuffed his desires to have his contract restructured, and adjusted with more guaranteed money added.”
Ravens could make a move for Quinnen Williams
Williams is worth far more than a second-round pick. He is a three-time Pro Bowler with two years left on his deal after 2025, and while the Ravens would have to rework his contract and pay him the money he deserves, it would be well worth it. If the rumors are true, General Manager Eric DeCosta should be calling the Jets as soon as possible.
Without Madubuike, the only real star on Baltimore’s defensive line is Travis Jones. However, given the lack of talent up front, he has seen constant double teams, diminishing his ability to make an impact. With Williams, the Ravens defense could take off.
Through seven games, Williams has posted an 81.8 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, including a 91.2 run defense grade, which is the best in football. Although he only has one sack in 2025, he has tallied 40 throughout his seven-year career and has posted at least 5.5 sacks in each of the past five seasons.
There could also be questions about Madubuike’s future. After suffering a neck injury in Week 2 and being placed on season-ending injured reserve a few weeks later, Harbaugh has yet to be given the green light to provide an update on Madubuike’s status. If Madubuike’s injury is any more severe than a season-ender, then a potential trade for Williams could be more urgent.
If DeCosta truly wants to make a play for Williams, he would likely have to part with at least a first-round selection. Regardless, it is a move he should try to make.