After the Baltimore Ravens’ dominant win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 9, they are positioning themselves in a perfect position to strike at the trade deadline. Their 28-6 win moved the team to 3-5, and they have clearly steadied their ship after an abysmal start to the season.
Now, Baltimore is closing in on the rival Pittsburgh Steelers for the top spot in the AFC North. There is plenty of time left, and at 1.5 games back of first place in the division, they are expected to buy at the deadline.
There are various areas where the Ravens could add players. The interior offensive and defensive lines need help, and reports have indicated that General Manager Eric DeCosta is making calls for a cornerback.
The most crucial position that Baltimore needs help at, though, might be edge rusher. Injuries have hurt the team’s pass rush, and even when healthy, the defensive front lacked consistency getting after the quarterback. They are one of the worst teams when it comes to sacking opposing quarterbacks, and it sounds like they are trending toward making a deal for someone to assist in that role.
Ravens looking to add on the edge
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer provided updates from around the league with the trade deadline fast approaching. He highlighted four teams that are looking for edge rush help, and one of those was the Baltimore Ravens.
Breer also highlighted several names that could get dealt ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline, and the Ravens have countless names to choose from if they opt to strike a deal for a player to play alongside outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Mike Green.
The Dolphins have several options for DeCosta to call about. Breer wrote:
“The Dolphins are the first seller to be past their Week 9 game, and their edge rushers have elicited plenty of interest—Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Matthew Judon could be moved.”
The New York Jets also have a pass rush group with plenty of names that have caught the rest of the NFL’s attention in recent weeks. Breer wrote:
“The Jets also have edge rushers of interest. The team has no plans to move Will McDonald IV, but is listening to Jermaine Johnson II. Johnson has a year left on his deal after this one, and it sounds like New York would want a second-round pick for him. Veteran DE Michael Clemons is available as well, as is LB Quincy Williams.”
If the Ravens truly want to add an impact player, Miami’s Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, and New York’s Jermaine Johnson II are the names to watch. Each of the three has brought starting-level production throughout their careers. While they would undoubtedly cost a pretty penny, players of their caliber would put an end to Baltimore’s pass rush woes.
Matthew Judon would be the cheaper option, and while it would be a fun reunion, he is not close to the game-wrecker that the Ravens need.
There could always be shocking players that end up getting moved. DeCosta and Baltimore tend to keep things behind closed doors, and the front office has become known for making blockbuster deals at the deadline. Only time will tell if DeCosta and company pull off another season-changing move.