The Baltimore Ravens have finalized a Jacoby Brissett trade with the Arizona Cardinals, a move designed to stabilize a roster reeling from a catastrophic wave of injuries at the quarterback position. The deal, which was initially reached on Wednesday and became official this Friday, brings the veteran signal-caller to Baltimore just as the team prepares for a critical mid-season stretch.
In exchange for Jacoby Brissett and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, the Cardinals will receive a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick from the Ravens. The transaction follows a disastrous Week 9 for Baltimore, which saw the team lose both its starter and primary backup in a single afternoon.
Baltimore Bolsters Depth Following Quarterback Injuries
The necessity for the Jacoby Brissett trade became apparent following the Ravens' recent matchup against the Buffalo Bills. On the very first offensive play of the game, star quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury that has since landed him on Injured Reserve (IR). The situation grew even more dire when backup Tyler Huntley left the same game with a turf toe injury.
While Lamar Jackson is required to miss at least the next three games, the long-term outlook is grim. Ravens head coach Jesse Minter noted that the injury and subsequent surgery are "potentially" season-ending for the former MVP. Furthermore, reports indicate that Tyler Huntley is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Before the trade was finalized, the Ravens were forced to rely on undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who finished the game against the Bills and started during the team's 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. To fill out the depth chart, Baltimore also signed Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed earlier this week, both of whom have minimal to no NFL experience.
Arizona’s Shift to Gardner Minshew and Carson Beck
For the Arizona Cardinals, the decision to move Jacoby Brissett comes as the team pivots toward a new direction under coach Mike LaFleur. Brissett had started the first eight games for Arizona this season, but his tenure as the starter ended abruptly during a Week 8 contest against the Dallas Cowboys.
After Gardner Minshew entered that game and orchestrated a surprise comeback victory, the Cardinals' coaching staff officially named Minshew the starter. The team also promoted third-round rookie Carson Beck to the backup role, effectively making Brissett the third-string option. Given the Arizona Cardinals trade opportunity and the Ravens' desperation, the move allowed Arizona to recoup draft capital for a veteran who was no longer in their immediate playing plans.
Impact on the Ravens' Offense and Playoff Hopes
The Ravens currently sit at 4-5 and are mired in a four-game losing streak. The arrival of Jacoby Brissett provides offensive coordinator Declan Doyle with a veteran presence who has significant experience as an NFL starter.
- Experience Matters: Unlike the undrafted rookies currently on the roster, Brissett has years of starting experience.
- Statistical Profile: Since the start of last year, Brissett ranks 17th among 30 qualified quarterbacks in passing success rate.
- Efficiency Challenges: Despite his success rate, he ranks 28th in net yards per attempt, largely due to a lack of explosive plays and a high sack rate.
With a Lamar Jackson injury update suggesting a long road to recovery, the Ravens are hoping Brissett can manage the offense effectively enough to keep their season alive. The team has struggled in other areas as well; the defense has been inconsistent, and star running back Derrick Henry has seen a decline in production this season.
The Road Ahead: Ravens vs Chargers Monday Night Football
Brissett is expected to take the reigns immediately. He is in line to start for Baltimore in Week 10 when the team faces the Los Angeles Chargers on Ravens vs Chargers Monday Night Football. This game starts a critical stretch that includes a matchup against the Carolina Panthers and a later game against the Houston Texans.
For Baltimore, this trade is about more than just winning games; it is about maintaining a functional offensive environment. By bringing in a veteran, the team can better evaluate their young talent and provide a fair opportunity for the rest of the roster to compete during this NFL trade deadline news cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the details of the Jacoby Brissett trade?
The Baltimore Ravens acquired Jacoby Brissett and a 2027 fifth-round pick from the Arizona Cardinals. In return, the Cardinals received a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick.
Why did the Ravens need to trade for a quarterback?
Baltimore lost both Lamar Jackson (thumb surgery) and Tyler Huntley (turf toe) to significant injuries in the same week. Jackson is on IR and could miss the rest of the season, while Huntley has been ruled out for the year.
When will Jacoby Brissett start for the Ravens?
Brissett is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Ravens' Week 10 game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football.