The Baltimore Ravens are working to finalize a trade for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett, and the financial details could make the veteran an affordable addition as the team tries to address its growing quarterback injuries.
According to ESPN's Field Yates, Arizona restructured Brissett's contract before the expected trade, converting $2.7 million of his remaining $5.4 million base salary into a signing bonus. The adjustment would leave Baltimore responsible for just $2.7 million in remaining base salary if the transaction is completed Thursday before the Ravens face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
If the trade isn't finalized until after Thursday's game, Baltimore would owe about $2.43 million in remaining base salary. Brissett also has performance incentives that could increase his compensation. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport highlighted the financial adjustment Thursday, which would allow the Ravens to acquire an experienced quarterback without taking on the entire remaining salary obligation.
How the restructuring benefits Baltimore
The Cardinals' decision to convert part of Brissett's remaining salary into a signing bonus shifts that money to Arizona's financial responsibility rather than leaving it for Baltimore to absorb through his base salary. The maneuver is particularly significant for a Ravens team attempting to remain competitive in the AFC playoff race despite major injuries at the game's most important position.
According to Over The Cap, Brissett entered the season with a reworked contract worth $15.5 million in guaranteed compensation, with additional performance incentives that could push its maximum value to $21 million.
The latest adjustment would reduce the remaining base salary Baltimore must assume if the deal becomes official, although the final salary cap accounting will depend on the completed transaction and applicable incentives.
For general manager Eric DeCosta, the arrangement would offer a chance to acquire a proven veteran quarterback without committing the kind of financial resources typically associated with a starting-caliber passer.
Ravens addressing quarterback emergency
Baltimore's pursuit of Brissett comes after Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury requiring surgery and Tyler Huntley was ruled out for the season with a turf toe injury. The Ravens are preparing to start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano against Jacksonville on Thursday night, leaving the organization searching for an experienced option to stabilize the offense for the rest of the season.
Brissett would bring considerably more NFL experience than Baltimore's current healthy quarterback options. The veteran spent the beginning of the 2026 season as Arizona's starter before the Cardinals turned to Gardner Minshew II and subsequently moved Brissett down their depth chart. He threw for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 12 starts for Arizona in 2025, demonstrating his ability to operate an NFL passing offense while limiting turnovers.
Although the trade has not been officially finalized, the financial maneuver represents another step toward bringing Brissett to Baltimore. The Ravens will still need to complete the transaction and determine how quickly he can become comfortable with offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's system.
With Jackson and Huntley sidelined, Baltimore's immediate priority is finding stability at quarterback. Brissett's experience, combined with a more manageable remaining salary, could make him an important addition as the Ravens attempt to stay in the playoff race.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens get salary cap relief in Jacoby Brissett trade with Cardinals
