The trade market was incredibly active ahead of this year’s trade deadline. That was especially true on Tuesday, when teams made a frenzy of moves to bolster their teams in hopes of clinching playoff spots in 2025. For the Baltimore Ravens, they did not make any trades on Tuesday, but it was a successful deadline nonetheless.
Despite the quiet Tuesday, Baltimore General Manager Eric DeCosta was busy this season. He made three trades, all of which focused on bettering a defense that had an abysmal start.
DeCosta kicked things off in early October by trading outside linebacker Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick for Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick. He followed that up last week, trading cornerback Jaire Alexander and a 2027 seventh-round pick for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Finally, on Monday, the Ravens acquired outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones from the Tennessee Titans for a conditional fifth-round pick that could become a fourth-rounder based on player and team performance.
While there were not necessarily any flashy moves, and they missed out on the prize of the deadline in new Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, they were still one of the winners of the deadline.
ESPN names Ravens as trade deadline winners
The Ravens are trying to battle out of a 1-5 hole, and their two-game winning streak seems to have gotten them back on track. Entering Week 10, they are 3-5 with favorable odds to make the playoffs and win the AFC North.
Fans certainly wanted DeCosta to add more, specifically making a move for a game-changing piece like Williams, but the defense is already reaping the benefits of the acquisitions, and should continue to do so moving forward.
Ben Solak of ESPN named the Ravens winners for just that reason. Their previously horrendous defense looks competitive again, and it should only improve. Solak wrote:
“Since Week 6 -- when Gilman entered the starting lineup -- the Ravens are second in points allowed per game, seventh in EPA per play and ninth in success rate.”
“Baltimore has been thin along the defensive line all season, and Jones will provide snaps on both the edge and in the interior. But even if that's the ceiling on the acquisition, and all he provides is depth, the Ravens are still deadline winners for the impact of the Gilman trade.”
Solak also emphasized Gilman’s part in allowing versatile safety Kyle Hamilton take full command of the defense. Hamilton has played all over the field since the addition, especially in the box and closer to the line of scrimmage, where Baltimore’s defense is forcing teams to attack with their bend-don’t break mentality. They have been limiting the big play, and as such, Hamilton has more opportunities to make plays in the middle of the field.
While it is understandable to be upset that the Ravens did not make any splash moves, given the deep hole they have dug themselves into, it is smart to steer clear of an overpay. They got the best bang for their buck, and if the defense’s recent performance is any telling, a turnaround could be in order as they head into the second half of the season.