OWINGS MILLS — Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has been aggressive at the NFL’s trade deadline.
He’s made bold moves for cornerback Marcus Peters (2019), inside linebacker Roquan Smith (2022) and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (2020), who re-signed with the team this offseason.
This year’s NFL trade deadline is on Tuesday, November 5th.
Entering the Week 7 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Ravens’ biggest weakness has been the secondary. Baltimore is ranked 31st, allowing 275.7 yards passing, and it’s been an area of concern throughout the season.
The biggest obstacle for DeCosta is financial — the Ravens have just $4.1 million in salary-cap space, according to overthecap.com. There are ways to work around the cap with restructured deals and trade partners absorbing some of the contract for an extra draft pick.
The Ravens’ current group of cornerbacks playing regularly includes Brandon Stephens, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. The Ravens could look to add another ballhawk to the group.
Some potential trade targets at cornerback are Jonathan Jones (Patriots), Greg Newsome II (Browns) and Tre’Davious White (Rams). Jones, Newsome and White are veteran players who could add another layer of experience to the defense.
DeCosta could also consider adding another safety. While All-Pro Kyle Hamilton has made plays this season, Marcus Williams and Eddie Jackson have not been productive. The Ravens could use a steadying influence to improve the communication in the secondary.
Safeties the Ravens could consider include Budda Baker (Cardinals) and Andre Cisco (Jaguars). Baker is a six-time Pro Bowler who is a tough and solid tackler. Cisco is a hard worker, which is a fit for the Ravens, and he is not happy in Jacksonville.
The Ravens could help the secondary by adding another pass rusher. Baltimore is tied with the Houston Texans for fourth in the NFL with 19 sacks. They might consider Dolphins edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah if he is available.
On the other side of the ball, DeCosta might not tinker with the team’s success. The Ravens are ranked No. 1 with 453.7 yards per game and they are averaging 29.5 points, which ranks fourth.
Veteran wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins (Titans) and Diontae Johnson (Panthers) could become available. However, the Ravens’ young wideouts, Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, are having solid seasons and the team might not want to reduce their targets.
DeCosta could look to add depth on the offensive line, but efficient players are rarely available at the trade deadline because they are so valuable to their teams. A trade for a tackle or guard would be costly. Jaguars tackle Cam Robinson is one player who could be available and not cost a king’s ransom.
DeCosta will explore trade opportunities, but his best move might be to stand pat.
