It’s time for Eric DeCosta to face the music. After a Week 8 loss and Lamar Jackson heading to IR with a thumb injury, the Baltimore Ravens’ 2026 season could be going up in flames.
So how does that affect DeCosta’s trade deadline plans? The organization was aggressive out of the gate with the Cam Jurgens trade, but now is in no place to make splash moves.
The Ravens won’t have their MVP quarterback for at least four weeks; the defense can’t get out of its own way; the offensive line is basically rolling out the red carpet for opposing defensive lines. At 4-4, there are very few signs that this team can actually play winning football in the coming months.
But will they become sellers? If so, how much do they sell off? Or do they pick up scraps and try to keep the season alive?
Baltimore Ravens’ Week 8 setbacks complicate Eric DeCosta’s trade plans
A week or two ago, the Ravens felt poised to keep adding. They could use help in the trenches and secondary, and if they were to make noise in the AFC, it would’ve made sense to address those areas on the trade market. Probably not anymore.
They’re last in the AFC North and are about to endure a tough stretch without Lamar Jackson. It’d be a shock if they can keep up with those contending for the playoffs.
Baltimore could still be light buyers in one area, though: quarterback.
The Ravens went 1-2 in their first stint without Lamar Jackson, and although Tyler Huntley can be decent enough with a strong rushing attack, he’s dealing with a toe injury. He might miss Thursday’s matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which likely puts undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano in a starting role.
While Fagnano has flashed potential, let’s be honest, he won’t win you football games. He may develop into a solid backup; you can't expect much if he’s asked to start. And Huntley hasn’t looked good at all outside of Week 5.
That could push Baltimore to ask around the league for a quarterback.
Rumors have swirled around Tyson Bagent, Anthony Richardson could use a change of scenery and a real opportunity to play, and Gardner Minshew is a long-trusted backup who just starred in a comeback win for the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. Any of those guys would be suitable options.
But that’s where the buying should stop. If there are any other trades, the Ravens should be the ones acquiring picks. They shouldn’t go full fire sale, but they should contemplate moving veterans and rentals.
Ravens may be smart to sell with the direction their 2026 season is headed
Let’s get one thing straight: the Ravens aren’t going to rebuild. This group can easily compete in 2027. It’s still a talented roster, and the coaching staff has encouraging qualities.
Jesse Minter needs to build his own squad, though, and Eric DeCosta should consider trading players who don’t appear to be part of Baltimore’s plans. Between veterans and one-year contracts, a few guys could make sense.
Calais Campbell and Chidobe Awuzie are the obvious candidates.
Campbell is 40, and honestly, the Ravens would be wise to let him chase a ring. It doesn’t look like it’ll happen in Charm City, and despite his age, Campbell can contribute.
The veteran is a decent rotational piece along the defensive front, and any contending team should be after trench help. You can never have too many defensive linemen. Campbell can provide pass-rush chops, run-stopping ability, and leadership — all crucial for teams pushing for a Lombardi Trophy.
Awuzie, on the other hand, signed a one-year, $5 million contract in the offseason, and hasn’t been a consistent part of Minter’s rotation. He got in on the action in Week 8 and played well, but it’s fair to wonder if he’ll be back next year.
It’d be worth Baltimore’s time to see if they can get something for him. It’d also free up more reps for T.J. Tampa.
Of course, you won’t get much for either player. If there’s interest, the Ravens wouldn’t receive more than a late Day 3 pick. Still, that’s better than nothing.
As their 2026 campaign takes an unfortunate turn, Baltimore needs to weigh every option ahead of the November 10 trade deadline, and the way things are going, the needle might be leaning toward selling.
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