Ravens Finalize Trade for Brissett After Jackson Faces Potential Surgery

The Baltimore Ravens are finalizing a blockbuster trade to acquire quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN ^[2]. This move comes as the Ravens' quarterback depth chart collapses under the weight of severe injuries to both their starter and backup.

The New York Post reported that the deal will see Brissett helm the offense while incumbent Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley remain sidelined ^[1]. Jackson left the field after just one play against the Buffalo Bills last week due to a thumb injury. He is now on injured reserve and faces potential season-ending surgery, the Post noted.

Huntley, who stepped in to fill the void for Jackson, is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a turf-toe injury, sources told ESPN ^[2]. With both veterans unavailable, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano will start Thursday night’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, per the same ESPN sources.

Brissett, 33, arrives in Baltimore as a journeyman signal-caller who will join his eighth NFL team since entering the league in 2016, the New York Post stated ^[1]. He was recently demoted to Arizona’s emergency third quarterback after being benched for Gardner Minshew during the Cardinals' overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys, according to the Post.

The trade negotiations reportedly picked up steam after Brissett requested a trade from Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, sources told ESPN ^[2]. Brissett had started the last 20 games for Arizona before being pulled late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, ESPN reported.

Despite the benching, Brissett’s stats over his last 20 starts with Arizona were notable. He was ranked No. 1 in dropbacks, completions, and attempts, and fourth in completion percentage over expected, according to ESPN ^[2]. However, he also led the league in sacks taken, being sacked 62 times in that span, the outlet noted.

The Ravens will not be able to field Brissett for the Thursday Night Football game, as the trade is not expected to be completed in time for the matchup, the New York Post indicated ^[1]. His first start in Baltimore could come as soon as Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers, ESPN sources said ^[2].

Brissett will reunite with Ravens quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork, who worked with him in Arizona and previously in Cleveland, according to ESPN ^[2]. This acquisition marks a drastic shift for a Ravens team sitting at 4-4 and last in the AFC North, the New York Post reported ^[1].