The Baltimore Ravens have acquired quarterback Jacoby Brissett and a 2027 fifth-round pick from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick. The trade was agreed to on Wednesday and finalized Friday following the Ravens' 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football.
Ravens' Quarterback Crisis
Baltimore's quarterback situation deteriorated rapidly in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills. Starter Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury on the first offensive play and was placed on injured reserve, potentially ending his season. Backup Tyler Huntley sustained a turf toe injury shortly after and is reported to be done for the year. The Ravens, now 4-5 with four consecutive losses, were left with undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, Kedon Slovis, and Austin Reed as available quarterbacks. Brissett is expected to start in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football.
Brissett's Role in Arizona
Brissett started the Cardinals' first eight games but was benched during the Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys after Gardner Minshew led a comeback. Minshew was named the starter with rookie Carson Beck as backup, relegating Brissett to third string. The Cardinals, at 3-5, are in an early-stage rebuild and viewed Brissett as a veteran backup not in their long-term plans.
Trade Grades and Analysis
CBS Sports graded the trade a B- for the Ravens and an A for the Cardinals. For Baltimore, Brissett provides a workable offensive environment and prevents relying on inexperienced quarterbacks. Since the start of the 2023 season, Brissett ranks 17th among 30 qualified quarterbacks in passing success rate but 28th in net yards per attempt. The Ravens face the Chargers, Panthers, and Texans before a bye week, offering a short window for Jackson's possible return. However, the team's mediocre defense and Derrick Henry's decline limit their ceiling.
For Arizona, moving Brissett for draft capital before the November 10 trade deadline represents strong asset management. Minshew and Brissett occupied similar veteran backup roles, and the Cardinals can now evaluate Beck while accumulating picks for their rebuild.
