Even though the Baltimore Ravens appear to be as dead as a dinosaur following a 1-4 start marred by injuries, there is still hope that John Harbaugh can help his team get up off the mat in a weak AFC North if they can fix what has been ailing them on the defensive side of the ball.
With the Ravens choosing to improve their secondary by acquiring Alohi Gilman from the Los Angeles Chargers, that move has also prompted them to get rid of former first-round pick Odafe Oweh. Their pass rush is now even more in tatters, which could prompt a trade that gets Baltimore back in the saddle.
One such player is current Miami Dolphins youngster Jaelan Phillips, who could be one of the many players on this Miami roster who gets booted out of town amid what could be a proper rebuild. Phillips still has plenty of gas left in the tank, so why not spend that gas trying to hel the Ravens get back up.
This Ravens-Dolphins trade brings Jaelan Phillips to Miami
Phillips hasn't been lighting it up this season, but that could be a product of playing on a Miami defense that is clearly playing out the string for a lame-duck coaching staff. Some players just need a fresh start to get back on track in their career, and Phillips fits the bill after wasting away for Mike McDaniel.
The Steelers are rooling the roost in this division, but they are a paper tiger who don't have the offensive explosiveness needed to complete. The Bengals look like a tier fire without Joe Burrow (what else is new for them), while the Browns are rolling with a rookie quarterback in Dillon Gabriel. This division can be won.
Phillips not only gives the beaten-up Ravens defense a young pass rusher who would instantly start and stand out as an impact player for a thin defensive line, but he's someone the Ravens can look at retaining long-term. Oweh was likely to leave in free agency, but Phillips could be an upgrade if they work a deal out.
The Ravens might not be dead yet, though it becomes increasingly difficult to envision a world in which Harbaugh can come back in 2026 if the team just completely falls apart. Adding Phillips gives this defense a bit more sting, and the degree to which he adds to them will make-or-break Baltimore's season.