The Baltimore Ravens have a quarterback emergency, and they are going to Arizona to solve it. The Ravens have agreed to trade for Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett, according to NFL Network, CBS Sports and other outlets. The deal is expected to be finalized this weekend, and the compensation has not been announced yet.
Why Baltimore Needed a Quarterback
In my Week 8 recap, I wrote that Lamar Jackson left after one snap in Buffalo with a thumb injury. He needs surgery, and it could end his season. Then backup Tyler Huntley suffered a turf toe injury that is also expected to be season-ending, according to CBS Sports. That leaves undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who is dealing with an ankle injury of his own, as the likely starter for Thursday night’s game against the Jaguars.
The Ravens are 4-4, in last place in the AFC North, and have lost three straight.
What Baltimore Is Getting
Brissett started eight games for Arizona this season, completing 63.3% of his passes for 1,719 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions, according to CBS Sports. He has been around: Baltimore will be his seventh NFL team, and he turns 34 next month. NFL.com reported that Brissett has worked with Ravens quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfolk in both Arizona and Cleveland, which should help him get up to speed.
He will not be ready for Thursday, but NFL.com reported he is expected to start the following week against the Chargers on Monday Night Football.
Why Arizona Is Moving On
Brissett lost his job on Sunday. Gardner Minshew came off the bench against Dallas, threw three touchdowns and led the comeback from 14 points down in the fourth quarter for a 33-30 overtime win. On Monday, the Cardinals named Minshew the starter and moved Brissett to third string behind rookie Carson Beck. The trade also clears salary for Arizona.
My Take
This is a move Baltimore had to make. With two quarterbacks lost for the season, the Ravens needed a veteran who can step in right away, and Brissett has started games for several teams. At 4-4, though, the Ravens will need more than a steady quarterback to get back into the AFC North race.
Every deal before Tuesday’s deadline is in my NFL trade deadline tracker.
Featured photo: Ravens mascot Poe at M&T Bank Stadium, September 2026 by NASA/Bill Ingalls (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons.
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