After an encouraging Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears, the Baltimore Ravens are inching closer to playoff contention. They are once again favorites to win the AFC North, but still have a long road to go before becoming true contenders.
At 2-5, they clearly need a boost. They are expected to get that boost in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins with the potential return of star quarterback Lamar Jackson, but the defense needs help, too. They have found their footing after a disastrous start, allowing 33 combined points over their last two games, but are still lacking talent in key areas.
While the secondary has improved since the arrival of safety Alohi Gilman in the Odafe Oweh trade, the defensive front lacks star power. Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit applied more pressure on the opposing quarterback last Sunday, but with injuries, there is a severe lack of depth. That all could change via trade.
One star defensive lineman who could be an instant game-changer is New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
PFF Dexter Lawrence trade would make Ravens instant contenders
Pro Football Focus (PFF) put together a list of 10 fairytale trades that could make the difference in teams making a Super Bowl run in 2025. The Ravens landed on the list as a potential suitor for the three-time Pro Bowler Lawrence.
“Part of the Ravens’ poor defensive start stems from significant injuries along their defensive interior, including to Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington. In their stead, Baltimore ranks 22nd in overall PFF grade and 25th in PFF run-defense grade at the position,” Bradley Locker wrote.
“The [Giants] figure to be a seller at the deadline, but Lawrence feels too valuable to ship away. Yet if there were any ideal suitor, the Ravens — now the favorite to win the AFC North — would be near the top of the list.”
Lawrence is likely a long shot to get traded. He is an integral part of the Giants’ defensive line, and in the midst of his prime, he is expected to be a significant part of the team’s future. He is still just 27 years old and is not scheduled to be a free agent until 2028. If Baltimore were to make a push to trade for Lawrence, it would undoubtedly cost a pretty penny.
The move would be worth it, though. With Nnamdi Madubuike out for the season and Broderick Washington still on injured reserve, the Ravens need a strong piece to take the pressure off of Travis Jones. It is also fair to worry about Madubuike’s future in the NFL, as Baltimore has yet to be cleared to provide an update on his neck injury.
A trade of this caliber would instantly morph a struggling Ravens team back into a playoff contender. There is an easy path ahead, but given their 2-5 record, they need to be nearly flawless the rest of the way. Lawrence would make that a possibility and help turn around a defensive unit that ranks tied for second-worst in the NFL in total sacks with nine.