Ravens trade for Jacoby Brissett, swapping 2027 fifth-rounder and 2028 seventh-rounder for 2027 fourth-rounder

The Baltimore Ravens have finalized a trade to acquire veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals, according to announcements from both teams Friday. The deal sends Brissett and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to Baltimore in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick, according to sources reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The trade comes as a direct response to a devastating injury crisis for the Ravens, who lost their top two quarterbacks to season-ending injuries. Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that starting quarterback Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley will both miss the remainder of the season. Jackson suffered a thumb injury that will require surgery, while Huntley was sidelined by a toe injury.

The move was finalized in the days following Baltimore’s Thursday night loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, a game highlighted by the struggles of their emergency quarterback, Joe Fagnano. The rookie, who was not selected in the NFL Draft, started in place of the injured duo and completed just 10 of 18 passes for 60 yards and threw two interceptions in the 33-10 defeat. The loss extended Baltimore’s streak of failing to score more than 14 points to four games, establishing a record for the franchise. It also marked the first time in the team’s 31-year history that they have lost by 20 or more points in three consecutive contests.

Brissett’s Situation in Arizona

Brissett’s departure from Arizona was set in motion after he lost his starting job this week. The Cardinals named Gardner Minshew II their new starting quarterback for the future, with rookie Carson Beck as the backup, effectively demoting Brissett to third string on the depth chart.

The 10-year veteran had started the last 20 games for the Cardinals since Week 6 of the 2025 season until being benched late in the third quarter of a Week 8 overtime victory against the Dallas Cowboys. According to a source cited by ESPN, Brissett requested a trade the following Monday after being informed of the quarterback room changes by head coach Mike LaFleur.

Despite the benching, Brissett’s performance over those 20 games was statistically significant. He occupied first place in passing situations, completions, and attempts during that span. He ranked third in first downs achieved per pass, fourth in expected completion percentage, fifth in passing yards, and seventh in both passing yards and avoided pressures. However, he also received 62 captures, a figure that ties him with the highest amount recorded in the NFL.

Restructuring the Quarterback Contract

The compensation package for the Ravens is considered a modest investment for a veteran quarterback. While giving up a fourth-round pick may seem substantial, the return of a fifth-round pick in the same draft year makes the net cost relatively small. If the draft slots remain as currently projected, the Ravens would only move back approximately 30 picks in the draft while surrendering a minimal 2028 seventh-round pick to secure their new starter.

Before the trade was completed, the Cardinals restructured Brissett’s contract to facilitate the move. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Arizona converted $2.7 million of the $5.4 million remaining on Brissett’s salary into a signing bonus. As a result, the Ravens will pay him a base salary of $2.43 million, with the potential to earn additional money through performance incentives. Brian McFarland of Russell Street Report noted that some of that money could potentially be pushed into 2027, but the Ravens are on the hook for the $2.43 million this season.

To create space on the roster for Brissett, the Ravens waived quarterback Austin Reed, who served as Fagnano’s backup against the Jaguars but did not record a snap. It is possible he could end up back on Baltimore’s practice squad as additional quarterback insurance.

Brissett’s Return to Familiar Faces

Brissett will not be joining the Ravens as a complete stranger. He is set to reunite with Baltimore’s quarterbacks coach, Israel Woolfork, who held the same position with the Cardinals last season. The two also worked together in 2022 when Woolfork was the quarterbacks coach for the Cleveland Browns and Brissett played for the team.

This familiarity is expected to help accelerate Brissett’s integration into Baltimore’s new offensive scheme, which is led by Declan Doyle. The Ravens now expect Brissett’s debut to occur on Monday Night Football in a matchup against the winless Los Angeles Chargers.

Ravens’ Injury Uncertainty

With Jackson and Huntley officially out for the year, the Ravens’ focus is solely on salvaging the remainder of their season. Baltimore placed Jackson on the injured reserve list before Thursday’s game. While the team has confirmed he will miss at least the next three contests, they have not provided a definitive timeline for his potential return this season.

When asked directly after the Jaguars game whether Jackson had undergone surgery on his hand and if there was a chance he could return to play this season, head coach Jesse Minter declined to comment. “No voy a hablar de eso,” Minter said.

What’s Next for the Ravens

Brissett’s immediate task is to learn the playbook and build chemistry with his new teammates. The Ravens, sitting at a 4-5 record, are clinging to slim playoff hopes. Brissett’s experience is seen as a significant upgrade over Fagnano, whose performance against Jacksonville highlighted the team’s urgent need for more reliable quarterback play.

The trade was viewed as a necessary move to give Baltimore a chance to compete. It is noted that the Ravens can no longer rely on an inexperienced quarterback for the rest of the season, and the cost of acquiring Brissett was considered reasonable given the circumstances. The move provides stability for players like Zay Flowers, Derrick Henry, and Ja’Kobi Lane, giving them a better chance to succeed with a veteran under center.

Brissett’s first test as the Ravens’ quarterback will be on the national stage when Baltimore faces the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. His performance in that game will be a critical indicator of whether this trade can help turn the team’s season around.

More on this story: The Baltimore Ravens are acquiring veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals · Ravens Trade for Cardinals Quarterback Jacoby Brissett Amid Injuries

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