The Baltimore Ravens will be willing buyers ahead of the 2023 trade deadline and there are a number of viable big-name targets for General Manager Eric DeCosta to consider.
The trade deadline is expected to see as much movement as ever. It is rumored that it will be one of the busiest deadlines ever.
With rumors and leaks flying around, it appears that Baltimore could be poised to make a splash trade ahead of the deadline on Tuesday. They have already been linked with several star players.
Last year, DeCosta pushed the boat out by acquiring Roquan Smith for a second-round pick and loose change. Smith has since elevated Baltimore’s defense by forming the league’s “best linebacker duo” with Patrick Queen. DeCosta will likely look to stay aggressive this year. Whether he will succeed, however, is another matter.
Baltimore will be an attractive destination for NFL stars given their current form. Led by Lamar Jackson, the team currently sit at 5-2 atop the AFC North. They look once again poised to make the playoffs. However, this time they will do so with a juggernaut defense and a rejuvenated offense under new Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken.
5 Star Players the Ravens could Target Ahead of the 2023 Trade Deadline
Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry’s potential trade is the hottest rumor right now. Henry has been linked to multiple teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and the Ravens. How solid this interest is remains unclear. However, given Henry’s age, position and contract, DeCosta would not need to sacrifice too much to acquire the Titans star.
The #Ravens have officially inquired regarding Derrick Henry
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 26, 2023
Many would consider a move for Henry controversial simply due to his lack of positional value. With running backs being slowly devalued, will the Ravens be willing to give up draft capital and valuable cap space to acquire the All-Pro running back?
The truth is, despite being 29, Henry remains one of the best playmakers in the league. In this sense, he somewhat transcends positional value, as evidenced by how he has carried the Tennessee Titans offense the last few years.
By acquiring Henry, Baltimore would be able to plug their gap at running back with a generational talent. While the Titan has slowed down in recent years, his 84.3 PFF grade suggests that he has remained an elite option in the backfield.
Currently, Baltimore are relying on Gus Edwards and Justice Hill to perform their backfield duties. Both have been effective, with Edwards particularly impressive in Baltimore’s win in London. However, there is no doubt that Henry would provide an immediate upgrade as a franchise back. Hill would likely retain some responsibility as a receiving option.
Saquon Barkley
Barkley is the other running back that has been linked to Baltimore. The New York Giants have struggled this season, making Barkley a prime trade piece. With his contract expiring and seeking a hefty payday, Barkley’s situation looks a lot like Christian McCaffrey’s from last season. Given his current situation, the likelihood is that Barkley would not cost a premium.
The All-Pro running back still has plenty left in the tank. At just 26, Barkley remains a formidable force despite his injury woes. He currently has a respectable 69.2 PFF grade this season, though he has played just 4 games.
Barkley would bolster the Ravens backfield greatly. The team would also be able to manage his workload better by balancing the backfield duties out with Edwards and Hill. Edwards would likely keep his role as the team’s power back.
SAQUON BARKLEY 32-YARD TOUCHDOWN#NFL #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/j3LhBEtE23
— Vendetta Media (@VendettaVSM) October 22, 2023
Davante Adams
Ravens fans have been infatuated with the idea of making a move for Davante Adams ahead of this year’s deadline. The Las Vegas Raiders are currently 3-4 and rumors have been swirling that Adams is frustrated with his current situation.
This season, Adams’ production has been steadily good. However, it is clear that the Raiders are failing to make the most of him. In seven games, he has managed 528 yards and three touchdowns. That means he is averaging 75.4 yards per game, his lowest average since 2017.
The Ravens invested heavily in weapons this off-season. They acquired Odell Beckham Jr., whose impact on the field has been limited though he has proved to be a great leader. Baltimore also spent their first-round pick on Zay Flowers, who is currently the team’s top wideout.
Despite these astute additions, Adams would offer Baltimore a true primary receiver. While Flowers, Beckham and Mark Andrews are formidable, Adams would give Baltimore that extra ‘X factor’ ahead of a playoff push.
Courtland Sutton
Courtland Sutton would present a cheaper receiver option if the Ravens think Adams’ price tag is too rich. Like Adams, Sutton would offer Baltimore a primary wideout, something that they have still to acquire.
The Denver Broncos have been a vast disappointment this season and appear ready to sell all their valuable assets ahead of a rebuild. For this reason, it is unlikely that Baltimore would need to offer any more than a mid-to-late-round selection.
Baltimore previously had a deal in place for Sutton. However, this off-season, the Broncos pulled out of the deal, leaving Baltimore to get Beckham and Flowers. The interest may have lingered, making Sutton potentially more than just a name to watch.
Brian Burns
Brian Burns is unlikely to be available. However, if he is, the Ravens should be all over this move. Burns is a stud for the Carolina Panthers and would significantly improve Baltimore’s pass rush. With Odafe Oweh’s future up in the air, Burns presents a long-term solution as a franchise cornerstone.
The Ravens struggled with pass rush when Oweh was out. While Jadeveon Clowney has been effective, David Ojabo has failed to perform consistently. Kyle Van Noy has been good but clearly is not a long-term solution at 32.
The Ravens would have to give up premium selections to get Burns before the trade deadline. He would likely cost a first-round pick and more. However, to secure a long-term franchise pass-rusher, DeCosta might well be willing to pay the price.
Other Big-Name Ravens Trade Candidates Ahead of 2023 Deadline
On the Panthers theme, Jaycee Horn might be another name to watch. Horn has had injury struggles the last couple of years. However, when on the field, he has been one of the most effective shutdown corners. While Ronald Darby and Brandon Stephens have been beyond adequate, Horn would offer stability and elite talent as the team’s second cornerback, behind Marlon Humphrey.
Patrick Surtain II might be another cornerback to watch. The former first-round selection has cemented himself as an elite cornerback since entering the league. While it is unlikely that Horn or Surtain would be available, both would be vast upgrades on the Ravens defense. Both would, however, come at a hefty price.
Another Bronco to watch is Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy is reportedly on the trade block after underwhelming once again. While Jeudy was touted as a top prospect entering the league, he has failed to live up to the billing. With the Broncos looking to part ways, Jeudy is now available. However, it is not clear that Jeudy would bolster the Ravens receiving room much outside of adding depth in skillsets that they already have.
A familiar name rounds off this list. Jackson was vocal about his dissatisfaction when the team traded away Marquise Brown two seasons ago. This year, they have a chance to reunite. The Arizona Cardinals are likely to be sellers at the trade deadline and Brown could be an enticing trade piece.
The Ravens would need to give up a third-round pick or more for Brown’s services as Arizona would recoup a third or fourth-round pick if he left in free agency anyway. The Cardinals star would help stretch the field vertically for Baltimore and, since his departure, his run-after-catch and contested catch abilities have both improved.
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