The Baltimore Ravens are taking significant steps to address their quarterback situation, reportedly finalizing a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for veteran Jacoby Brissett.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal is expected to be completed this weekend, giving Baltimore an experienced quarterback after injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley threatened to derail its season.The move comes just two days after Ravens Wire identified Brissett as a potential trade target because of his NFL experience, availability, and familiarity with Baltimore's quarterbacks coach. With the Ravens entering Thursday's matchup against Jacksonville at 4-4, the potential acquisition could have major implications for the remainder
of the season.
Here are five takeaways from the reported trade.
1. Baltimore isn't giving up on its playoff hopes
The Ravens have lost three consecutive games and are preparing to start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano against Jacksonville. Jackson requires surgery for a thumb injury, while Huntley's season is over after suffering a significant turf toe injury against Buffalo. Rather than relying exclusively on inexperienced quarterbacks, general manager Eric DeCosta is attempting to bring in a proven veteran. Brissett has started 73 NFL games, giving Baltimore a quarterback who can manage an offense while Jackson recovers.
The decision suggests the organization remains committed to competing despite its recent struggles.
2. Brissett has the experience Baltimore desperately needs
Brissett has thrown for 16,485 yards, 86 touchdowns and 39 interceptions during his NFL career. He started 12 games for Arizona last season, finishing with 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Brissett has also appeared in eight games this season, completing 63.3% of his passes for 1,719 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Those numbers provide Baltimore with a considerably more experienced option than Fagnano, Kedon Slovis or Austin Reed.
Brissett won't replicate Jackson's mobility, but his ability to operate an NFL offense could help stabilize the Ravens.
3. Joe Fagnano's starting opportunity could be short-lived
Fagnano will make his first career start Thursday against Jacksonville, but Brissett's expected arrival could change the quarterback hierarchy. The undrafted rookie has shown promise, particularly during the preseason, but his regular-season experience consists of relief duty against Buffalo. Brissett's presence would give Baltimore a realistic alternative if Fagnano struggles or needs additional development.
However, the Ravens must first finalize the deal and determine how quickly Brissett can learn offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's system. His arrival would create competition, although no decision regarding the starting job beyond Thursday has been announced.
4. Brissett's connection to Israel Woolfork could accelerate his transition
One of the strongest reasons for Baltimore to pursue Brissett is his previous relationship with Ravens quarterback coach Israel Woolfork. The two worked together in Arizona during the 2025 season, giving Brissett familiarity with a member of Baltimore's offensive coaching staff.
That connection could help him adjust to the terminology, expectations, and preparation required to operate a new system. Woolfork's firsthand knowledge of Brissett also provides Baltimore with valuable insight into his strengths and limitations.
The Ravens will still need to make adjustments because Brissett's playing style differs significantly from Jackson's.
5. The Ravens must determine how much Brissett is worth
The financial and roster implications of the reported agreement will become clearer when trade compensation is announced. Brissett agreed to a reworked contract with Arizona before the season that increased his 2026 compensation to $15.5 million, with incentives that could raise the value to $21 million. The Ravens must determine how much of that financial commitment they will assume, along with the draft compensation required to complete the deal.
Baltimore also must decide how Brissett fits into its quarterback plans if Jackson returns later in the season.
The trade remains unfinished, but the direction is clear. The Ravens are pursuing an experienced quarterback rather than letting injuries dictate the rest of their season.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 5 takeaways from Ravens' reported trade for QB Jacoby Brissett
