The loss of Nnamdi Madubuike fundamentally altered the trajectory of the Ravens for this season and beyond. It changed everything they do on defense, and while Zach Orr has made some adjustments, it still
depends on a safety staying healthy while playing a massive number of snaps lined up like a defensive end. Baltimore needs a different way to rush the passer to ease the burden on Hamilton and Travis Jones, and their run defense has not been as stout as usual, either.
The other aspect that some might not want to think about, but needs to be acknowledged, is Madubuike’s future. There aren’t many players like him – an interior defensive linemen who stops the run, eats double-teams, and rushes the passer with regular success – and the Ravens paid him to be the anchor of their defense for years to come. He’s a massive loss for this season and would leave a huge gap in the team’s long-term plans. Travis Jones set to hit free agency in the offseason, too, so the Ravens may need to think about more than short-term fixes at the trade deadline.
Big Swing
Quinnen Williams, New York Jets
Projected compensation: Multiple first-round picks
Remaining contract: $8.375M in 2025, $21.75M ($5M GTD) in 2026, $25.5M in 2027
Season stats (8 games): 32 tackles, 7 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles, 1 sack
Advanced metrics: 19 pressures, 7.5% pass rush win rate, 22 run stops
Zach’s take: This is my favorite potential move of any position. If there’s one guy I could pick for the Ravens to get who’s available at this deadline, it’s Quinnen Williams. Williams is one of those rare, every-down impact defensive linemen from the three-tech spot. He could potentially be a near one-to-one replacement for Madubuike in the way they impact the games: run stoppers, capable of eating and beating double teams, penetration in the run game, pass rush versatility, can line up in any spot in the line, can be a looper from the edge spot, can crash on guards, and open up things for other defenders. It’s the biggest move that could instantly change the defense back into Super Bowl contender status and save the franchise in the coming years. I would be willing to move at least first- and second-round picks for him, potentially more depending on the exact deal.
Nikhil’s take: On principle, if any team needs a Godfather offer – one they can’t refuse – to consider a trade, it is probably not a good idea. That is where the Jets seem to be with Williams. Is he worth a first-round pick? Absolutely. But multiple? More? It’s hard to say what would pry him loose from New York, but the Ravens’ cap table can’t afford to take on his salary and give up multiple shots at impact players on rookie contracts. This just doesn’t seem like a deal that can come together at a value that makes sense for either team.
Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans
Projected compensation: Multiple first-round picks
Remaining contract: $9M in 2025, due $20.67M ($6.47M GTD) in 2026 and $23M in 2027
Season stats (7 games): 30 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Advanced metrics: 27 pressures, 19.3% pass rush win rate, 23 run stops
Zach’s take: This would be the move if Simmons is actually available. The reports are so scattered about his actual availability that I’m putting all my stock in Williams. But Simmons is basically Williams and Madubuike, but just better. Simmons might be the best defensive lineman in the NFL. I’d trade two first-rounders for him and give him another extension to make him a Raven. It would instantly be the greatest trade in Ravens history.
Nikhil’s take: The Titans have made it clear that they see Simmons as a franchise cornerstone and have no intention of trading him. They’re right on both counts. It’s the same situation as Williams and the Jets: the Ravens would have to come in with a massive, ill-advised offer to even get negotiations going. Simmons is a phenomenal player who would do wonders for the Ravens defense, but the price is simply too high.
Solid Upgrade
Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals
Projected compensation: Day 3 pick
Remaining contract: $1.75MM in 2025
Season stats (7 games): 19 tackles, five tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks
Advanced metrics: 17 pressures, 10.0% pass rush win rate, 7 run stops
Zach’s take: How fun would it be for Calais Campbell to come back to Baltimore? The 39-year-old linemen is still one of the best in the business, dominating the line of scrimmage. Campbell. His snap count is obviously limited at his age, but he would absolutely boost the rotation along the defensive line, working behind Travis Jones. The big question is whether or not he’ll actually be traded. He’s involved in every trade rumor article, but has repeatedly said he’d like to stay in Arizona to finish his career. There’s been no commitment one way or another from the organization. I hope he stays in Arizona to finish his career; it’s the right thing to do. But if he does get traded, a reunion in Baltimore would hopefully make him happy.
Nikhil’s take: I feel like a dark cloud over the trade parade, but this is another deal I do not see happening. Campbell has said that he does not want to be traded, and the Cardinals are reportedly not selling at the deadline. This would be a great move – one the Ravens wanted to make this time last year – but a reunion with Campbell does not seem to be in the cards.
T’Vondre Sweat, Tennessee Titans
Projected compensation: Day 2 pick
Remaining contract: $614,601 in 2025, due $1.66M (all GTD) in 2025 and $2.1MM (~$500k GTD) in 2026
Season stats (4 games): 13 tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks
Advanced metrics: 3 pressures. 1.7% pass rush win rate, 2 run stops
Zach’s take: The Titans have reportedly received calls and are listening to offers for Sweat, which is surprising considering he was an early second-round pick just a year ago and looks to be a good player with potential. He’s only played in four games this year but already has 2.0 sacks. This trade would probably have more impact in the long term than in 2025. He can clearly impact the game right now, but the value in this trade would be in how he develops. The ceiling for Sweat is one of those every-down, high-impact players, but he’s not there yet. He’s also had an injury in this season, which has limited his snap count. I’d call this a B- move because it’s not much of a needle mover in 2025, but it’s still good depth this season with great potential going forward.
Nikhil’s take: Sweat’s stats are not appealing, but his tape shows that he has a bigger impact beyond the box score. He can help the pass rush directly (drawing double-teams or getting pressure himself) or indirectly (stuffing the run to create longer passing downs). Acquiring the second-year nose tackle would also address the Ravens’ long-term need along the defensive line. But he does not feel like the kind of upgrade that can move the needle this year in Baltimore, and the Titans may want to give their next coach a chance to sort through their roster. Unless he’s available at a steep discount – which would allow for a more impactful move elsewhere – Sweat doesn’t seem to be worth an aggressive move.
Depth Piece
Sebastian Joseph-Day, Tennessee Titans
Projected compensation: Day 3 pick
Remaining contract: $1.75M in 2025
Season stats (9 games): 28 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks
Advanced metrics: 10 pressures, 7.9% pass rush win rate, 19 run stops
Zach’s take: Joseph-Day is a classic depth add at the deadline. He’s probably not going to flash much in Baltimore, but he’ll allow a little more freedom in the rotation and spell the guys at the top of the depth chart. Travis Jones has played 65% or more of snaps in the last three games, and John Jenkins is around the 50% mark. Taven Bryan has played 34% and 40% of snaps in the last two, and not well. Joseph-Day is a well-known starter who’s a classic run stuffer with the occasional pass rush win. The Ravens need depth before the guys at the top burn out. Joseph-Day can immediately step in a be a 50% snaps kind of guy, and that would give the Ravens a boost simply because it would keep Jones fresher and because Joseph-Day is better than most of that room.
Nikhil’s take: Now we’re talking. I actually wanted the Ravens to go after Joseph-Day before the 2024 trade deadline, and he’s looked even better this year. The Titans are probably more willing to let him go rather than Sweat, which should make him an inexpensive move to bolster the defensive line. He is not blowing anyone away in the pass rush, but he’s consistent and stable. Baltimore’s run defense needs the help, too, and Travis Jones can’t play all three downs on every series. Adding Joseph-Day for cheap would give the Ravens the ability for a bigger swing elsewhere as a position with a better crop of available talent.
Advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus. Contract data via OverTheCap.
