Jeff Zrebiec Says Ravens Adding at Trade Deadline 'Feels Far More Like a Necessity Than a Luxury'
The Ravens have made two trades in the past four weeks, and the expectation is that there will be more before Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline.
The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec noted that General Manager Eric DeCosta has a history of being active at the deadline but contended that there is more of a sense of urgency this time, as the Ravens (3-5) look to continue ascending after a 1-5 start.
"This year, a few additions feel far more like a necessity than a luxury," Zrebiec wrote. "And DeCosta has the draft capital and cap space to pull them off."
The Ravens' biggest needs are edge rusher and the interior defensive line. Zrebiec said the asking prices for players at those positions have been high to this point.
"Per Dianna Russini, senior NFL writer for The Athletic, the New York Jets want a 'second-round pick or better' for edge rusher Jermaine Johnson," Zrebiec wrote. "Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is not believed to be currently available, but previous talks, according to Russini, had the New York Giants asking for a first-round pick. Per multiple reports, the Jets are asking for a first-rounder-plus for standout defensive tackle Quinnen Williams."
It has been speculated that Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips could be a target for the Ravens, but he was reportedly traded to the Eagles for a 2026 third-round pick this morning.
Zrebiec acknowledged that sellers typically drop their asking prices closer to the deadline, "but there's no guarantee of that, and it's certainly possible that a seller's market will emerge with so many teams looking for pass-rush help and only so many quality players available."
"Ultimately, DeCosta could be forced to overpay for a meaningful addition, which he abhors doing," Zrebiec wrote.
Ravens Get an 'A' Grade for Jaire Alexander Trade
The Ravens trading cornerback Jaire Alexander to the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday was a surprise – at least at first glance.
When the Ravens signed Alexander in June, critics pointed to the two-time All-Pro's extensive injury history as to why it had potential to not pan out.
On the surface, that might appear to be a valid opinion. Alexander, who reportedly had "about a dozen teams" interested in him before signing with the Ravens (reportedly for less money than he could've gotten elsewhere), missed about a month of training camp as he managed the health of his surgically repaired knee and appeared in just two games. He was a healthy scratch the past three games.
The fact is that signing the 28-year-old Alexander to a one-year, reportedly $4 million contract (plus an additional $2 million in incentives based on playing time) was a low-risk, high-reward move.
If Alexander could stay healthy, the Ravens were getting a star player who was Pro Football Focus' second-highest graded cornerback in single coverage since 2021, as well as a quality depth piece in a talented cornerback room. If it didn't work out, it wouldn't hurt the Ravens financially.
DeCosta is being praised by pundits for the trade, which saw the Ravens send Alexander and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Eagles for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano: "Grade: A. Baltimore didn't have much of a need for Alexander after the recent personnel changes drastically improved the secondary in the past two games. Safety Alohi Gilman has given this team a spark after arriving in a trade with the Chargers earlier this month. Baltimore sent edge rusher Odafe Oweh to Los Angeles. Also, Baltimore gained a 2026 fifth-round pick from Los Angeles and relinquished a future seventh-round pick. It didn't work out with Alexander, but the Ravens at least improved a Day 3 draft pick. … Somehow the Ravens improved their secondary without having to give up much draft capital and in a way came out on the better end with the fifth rounder from L.A."
ESPN’s Seth Walder: "Grade: B+. For the Ravens, this is a freebie. They're saving a little money (Alexander's contract was guaranteed) and gaining a little draft capital for a player who wasn't playing for them anyway."
Zrebiec: "Alexander didn't play special teams, meaning there was really no place for him on the game-day roster as a reserve cornerback. In making the deal, the Ravens created about $2 million in salary cap space and added another draft pick. General Manager Eric DeCosta has the cap flexibility and draft capital to make additions before Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline. Trading Alexander gives him some roster flexibility as well."
Baltimore Beatdown’s Dustin Cox: "I hope this isn't a trade that comes to haunt Baltimore if Alexander's play picks up later on in the season, but it's hard to be upset at moving him at this point. Signing Alexander to a cheap contract is a gamble that was well worth the risk before the season."
Ravens Wire’s Glenn Erby: "Second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa has played in every game while Alexander has been a healthy scratch. With Chidobe Awuzie and Marlon Humphrey both back and healthy, Baltimore has an outstanding foursome that includes the touted Nate Wiggins. The addition of Gilman has allowed Baltimore to play with three safeties on the field and six total defensive backs at times."
John Harbaugh Credited for Keeping Ravens 'Focused and Playing Hard'
With the midpoint of the season having arrived, NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha identified 10 people who will shape the second half. Head Coach John Harbaugh was among them.
"The misery that clung to this team's 1-5 start has been replaced by considerable optimism about a real path to the postseason," Chadiha wrote. "Yes, the Ravens are healthier (with quarterback Lamar Jackson returning from a hamstring injury), and the schedule is working in their favor (three of the next four games are against teams with losing records). Let's also remember that Harbaugh has kept this team focused and playing hard through all the setbacks and defensive struggles. That's not easy to do when you fall into a hole as deep as Baltimore found itself in.
"Harbaugh now has to keep that same momentum going over the next two months. The Ravens have five division games left, and the Steelers are the only division foe that could give them problems. The past is over. Harbaugh is in position to take this team from 3-5 to right back into the conversation as Super Bowl contenders."
Pundit Says AFC North Is Two-Team Race Between Ravens and Steelers
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame believes the AFC North is shaping up to be a two-team race between the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Baltimore moved into second place in the division this weekend and remains two games behind the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3), who ended a two-game losing streak by upsetting the Indianapolis Colts.
"While the Bengals and Browns are Ohio afterthoughts, Pittsburgh and Baltimore should give everyone a show over the next two months," Verderame wrote. "The Steelers have a two-game lead in the division, and their schedule is daunting with the Lions, Bills, Chargers and Bears remaining, while Baltimore still has dates with the Jets, Browns and Bengals twice.
"However, everything comes down to the head-to-head contests between the two teams. The first comes in Week 14 in Baltimore before the rematch in Week 18 at Acrisure Stadium. The other question is whether two teams from the North can crack the AFC playoff picture. Given the conference's relative weakness, the Steelers and Ravens both may make it."
