As the November 5 NFL trade deadline draws closer, the rumor mill is heating up, and the Baltimore Ravens are no exception. One of the latest trade suggestions comes from CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, who proposed the Ravens could target Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox to shore up their battered secondary.
With injuries mounting, including to top corner Marlon Humphrey and slot regular Arthur Maulet, adding a veteran like Maddox might seem like a logical move at first glance.
Maddox has been a steady presence for the Eagles over the past seven seasons, primarily in the slot. However, 2024 has been a rocky year, and recent developments in Philadelphia suggest his days as a starter could be over.
BREAKING: #Eagles Rookie CB Cooper DeJean is starting at the Nickel position over Avonte Maddox this Sunday, Jeremy Fowler confirmed. pic.twitter.com/keTx5pR3vS
— James Simone (@JamesSimoneNFL) October 9, 2024
Rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean is now set to take over the starting nickel role, with James Bradberry soon returning from his lower leg injury to solidify the Eagles' cornerback depth. As a result, Maddox finds himself as a potential trade candidate with Baltimore floated as a possible landing spot.
Should the Baltimore Ravens trade for Philadelphia Eagles CB Avonte Maddox?
On paper, adding Maddox could help address Baltimore’s cornerback issues. With Humphrey still dealing with injuries and Maulet’s status uncertain, the Ravens are running thin in the secondary. But a closer look at Maddox’s performance this season raises significant doubts about whether he would be a good fit for a team with championship aspirations.
According to Pro Football Focus, Maddox is having one of the worst seasons of his career.
He holds a 52.6 overall defensive grade, ranking 144th out of 177 NFL cornerbacks. His struggles in coverage have been evident, as shown by his passer rating of 88.7 when targeted. These numbers suggest a player in decline rather than someone who could provide the immediate boost Baltimore’s defense needs.
Additionally, Maddox’s recent demotion only adds to the concern. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler confirmed that DeJean would start over Maddox this Sunday, making the veteran expendable for the Eagles. For a Ravens team looking to make a deep playoff run, bringing in a corner who’s struggling to stay on the field and has seen his performance dip may not be the right move.
Baltimore’s secondary certainly needs depth, but acquiring Maddox, who has been inconsistent this season, might not help. Instead of taking a gamble on a player who’s lost his starting job, the Ravens would be better off targeting a more consistent performer to shore up their defense — cornerback Jonathan Jones of the New England Patriots or edge-rusher Haason Reddick of the New York Jets as but a few examples.
While Maddox might appear to fill a need for the Ravens, his recent struggles make him a risky option. If Baltimore is serious about contending for a Super Bowl, it needs to prioritize proven playmakers over players like Maddox who are coming off tough seasons.