The Ravens’ trajectory for the rest of this season, and into the future, has been fundamentally changed by the loss of Nnamdi Mabubuike. Zach Orr made adjustments but it’s still dependent on a safety being healthy and playing as many snaps as a defensive lineman. Baltimore must find a new way to rush the quarterback to relieve Hamilton and Travis Jones of the pressure. Their run defense is also not as strong as it usually is.
Madubuike is a player that many don’t want to consider, but it’s important to do so. He is a rare player – an interior lineman who can rush the passer, stop the run and eat double teams with ease. The Ravens have paid him to anchor their defense for many years. It would be a major loss to the Ravens’ long-term plan if he were to leave. Travis Jones is also set to become a free agent in the offseason. The Ravens will need to consider more than just short-term solutions at the trade deadline.
Quinnen Williams, New York Jets
Compensation for multiple first-round selections
Contract remaining: $8.375M (2025), $21.75M (5M GTD) (2026), $25.5M (2027).
Stats for the season (8 games): 33 tackles, 7 TFLs 3 forced fumbles and 1 sack
Advanced metrics: 19 Pressures, 7.5% Pass Rush Win Rate, 22 Run Stops
Zach’s Take: This is by far my favorite possible move at any position. Quinnen Williams is the only player I would choose for the Ravens at this deadline. Williams is one rare three-tech defensive lineman who can make an impact every down. Williams could be a close replacement for Madubuike, in terms of the impact they have on games. They are both run stoppers and can eat and beat double teams. He also has pass rush versatility. This is the move that will instantly transform the defense into a Super Bowl contender and help save the franchise for the next few years. I’d be willing to trade at least the first and second round picks, possibly more, depending on the deal.
Nikhil: In principle, any team that needs to make a Godfather’s offer, one they cannot refuse, in order to consider a deal, is not doing the right thing. The Jets appear to be in this position with Williams. Is he worthy of a first round pick? Absolutely. What if you want to have multiples? More? The Ravens cap table cannot afford to pay his salary , and must give up several chances to sign impact rookies. It doesn’t look like this deal can be done at a price that is beneficial to either team.
Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans
Compensation for multiple first-round selections
Contract remaining: $9M due in 2025. Due $20.67M (GTD $6.47M) in 2026. Due $23M by 2027.
Stats from the season (7 games): 30 tackles (8 tackles for losses), 4.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble
Advanced metrics: 27 Pressures, 19.3% Pass Rush Win Rate, 23 Run Stops
Zach’s Take: This wouldbe a move if Simmons were actually available. Williams is my only option because the reports about Simmons’ availability are so sporadic. Simmons is really just Williams and Madubuike but better. Simmons could be the best defensive tackle in the NFL. I would trade him two first-rounders and give him an additional extension to become a Raven. This would be the biggest trade in Ravens’ history.
Nikhil’s Take: The Titans made it very clear that they do not intend to trade Simmons. They see him as the cornerstone of their franchise. Both are true. Williams and the Jets are in the same boat: The Ravens will have to make a huge, unwise offer before negotiations can begin. Simmons is an incredible player who could do wonders for Ravens’ defense, but his price tag is too high.
Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals
Compensation for Day 3 Pick
Contract remaining: $1.75MM by 2025
Stats of the season (7 games): 19 tackles (five for loss), 3.0 sacks
Advanced metrics: 17 Pressures, 10.0% Pass Rush Win Rate, 7 Run Stops
Zach’s Take: Wouldn’t it be fun for Calais Campbell, a former Baltimore Ravens player, to return to Baltimore? The 39-year old lineman is still one the best linemen in the industry, dominating at the line of scrimmage. Campbell. He is clearly limited in his snaps due to his age but would be a great addition behind Travis Jones. It’s unclear if he will be traded. He has been mentioned in all trade rumors, but he’s repeatedly stated that he would like to finish his career in Arizona. The organization has not made any commitments. It’s only right that he finishes his career in Arizona. If he is traded, then a reunion with his old teammates in Baltimore will hopefully make him happy.
Nikhil: This is another trade I don’t see happening. Campbell has stated that he doesn’t want to be dealt, and according to reports the Cardinals will not sell at the deadline. It would be an excellent move, and one that the Ravens hoped to make at this time last season. But a reunion with Campbell doesn’t seem to be on the cards.
T’Vondre Sweat, Tennessee Titans
Compensation for Day 2 Pick
Contract remaining: $614 601 in 2025. Due $1.66M in 2025 (all GTD), and $2.1MM in 2026 ($500kGTD).
Stats of the season (4 games): thirteen tackles, three tackles lost, two sacks
Advanced metrics: three pressures. Pass rush wins at 1.7%, with 2 run stops
Zach’s Take: According to reports, the Titans are receiving calls and listening to offers from Sweat. This is surprising since he was a second-round draft pick just one year ago. He also looks like a player with a lot of potential. He has only played four games in this year, but he already has two sacks. The impact of this trade will probably be greater in the future than in 2025. The impact he has on the game is clear, but it’s his development that will determine the value of this trade. Sweat has the potential to be a high-impact player who can play every down, but that’s still a long way off. A recent injury has also limited the number of snaps he’s taken this season. This is a B+ move, as it won’t be much of a game changer in 2025. However, it will still provide good depth for this season and have great potential moving forward.
Nikhil’s Take: Sweat has not been able to impress with his stats, but his tape demonstrates that he is a player who can have a greater impact than just the scoreboard. He can either help the pass rush indirectly (by stifling the run in order to make the passing downs longer) or directly (by drawing double teams or getting himself pressured). The Ravens would be able to address their long-term defensive line need by acquiring the second-year tackle. He does not seem to be the type of upgrade needed to move the needle in Baltimore this season, and the Titans might want to allow their next coach to go through the roster. Sweat is not worth a move unless he can be had at a discount, which would make it possible to move him elsewhere.
Sebastian Joseph-Day of the Tennessee Titans
Compensation for Day 3 Pick
Contract remaining: $1.75M by 2025
Stats of the season (9 games): 29 tackles, five tackles for losses, and two sacks
Advanced metrics: 10 Pressures, 7.9% Pass Rush Win Rate, 19 Run Stops
Zach’s Take: Joseph-Day was a great depth addition at the deadline. He won’t show much in Baltimore but he will allow more flexibility in the rotation to spell the players at the top. Travis Jones played at least 65% of snaps over the last three games and John Jenkins has been around 50%. Taven Bryan played only 34% of snaps and 40% in the past two games, not doing well. Joseph-Day, a veteran starter known for his run stuffing and pass rush skills, is a popular choice. The Ravens are in need of depth to prevent the players at the top from burning out. Joseph-Day could immediately step in and be a 50% snapper kind of guy. This would give the Ravens an extra boost because it keeps Jones fresher, and Joseph-Day would be better than everyone else.
Nikhil: We’re now talking. Joseph-Day has looked better than ever this year, which is why I wanted the Ravens go after him before the 2024 deadline. He’s more likely to be let go than Sweat by the Titans, so he should cost less to add to your defensive line. He’s not the best pass rusher, but he is consistent and reliable. Baltimore’s run defence also needs help. Travis Jones cannot play on all three downs in every series. The Ravens could make a big swing at a position that has a higher level of talent by adding Joseph-Day on a budget.
OverTheCap provides contract data and advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus.