Ravens trade for veteran quarterback Brissett

The Baltimore Ravens are finalizing a trade for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The move comes after the team lost star quarterback Lamar Jackson indefinitely and dropped three consecutive games. Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that the deal is close to completion. The acquisition signals that the organization intends to compete for the remainder of the 2026 season rather than focusing solely on future draft capital.

Jackson is expected to be placed on injured list with a right thumb injury. He suffered the injury during Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. There is a possibility he will be out for the rest of the season. His absence complicates the roster situation because backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is also out for the season with turf toe.

General Manager Eric DeCosta could have chosen to trade veterans to secure more picks for the 2027 draft. Instead, the team opted to bring in a veteran to stabilize the current lineup. The decision aims to curb a free fall in the first year for head coach Jesse Minter and offensive playcaller Declan Doyle. Brissett provides experience to an offense that has struggled with execution.

The Ravens currently hold a 4-4 record and sit in last place in the AFC North. ESPN Analytics estimates the team has a 6.4% chance of making the playoffs. The odds of winning the division stand at 0.5%. Before the recent losses, Baltimore was considered a Super Bowl contender and started the season 4-1. The team's performance unraveled after Jackson suffered injuries to his ankle and hand earlier in the year.

Brissett is 33 years old and has played in the NFL for 11 seasons. He has never finished a season with a winning record. In his last 19 starts, he lost 16 games. His career record is 23-50, which is the second worst in the league among quarterbacks with at least 50 starts over the past decade. Only Justin Fields has a worse record in that specific timeframe.

The Cardinals benched Brissett and moved him to third on their depth chart. Baltimore has a connection to the player through quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork, who coached Brissett in Arizona last season. Brissett has thrown 86 career touchdowns. His arrival offers the Ravens a chance to improve their offensive output.

The offense has been held to 14 points or fewer in three straight games. That streak had not occurred in Baltimore in 21 years. Since Week 6, the team has committed eight false starts compared to three touchdowns scored. The offense has dealt with off-target throws, poor play by the offensive line, and penalties.

Before the trade, the Ravens planned to start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fagnano practiced with a brace on his injured right ankle. The other two active quarterbacks were Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed. Both players were signed within the past three days. Together, these three quarterbacks had no previous starts, 23 pass attempts, and no touchdown throws.

The team retains playmakers such as running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver Zay Flowers. However, the offense has ranked among the worst in the league over the past three weeks. Several players, including defensive end Calais Campbell and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, are over the age of 30. The team has gone 7-14 since 2019 when Jackson was not the starting quarterback.