Mink: Given that we won’t have another edition of Mailbag before the trade deadline next Tuesday (on Halloween), now is the perfect time to address these questions. General Manager Eric DeCosta has been quite active in the trade market during his tenure, having made significant deals in three out of his four years as GM (acquiring Marcus Peters in 2019, Yannick Ngakoue in 2020, and Za’Darius Smith in 2022). It’s reasonable to assume he’ll be exploring potential moves again this year. My intuition tells me that he will seek to strengthen the Ravens’ roster, which already boasts the talent needed to compete for a Super Bowl.
The Ravens are currently projected to have eight draft picks next year, including a compensatory pick for the free-agency loss of Ben Powers. So, they possess sufficient draft ammunition. According to Brian McFarland of Russell Street Report, the Ravens currently have $2.8 million in cap space, but they could potentially free up an additional $13 million through contract restructures, and even more if they incorporate void years into contracts, a strategy they’ve recently employed. Hence, they have enough financial flexibility to make significant moves.
When considering the position the Ravens might upgrade, running back appears to be the most likely option. The loss of J.K. Dobbins in Week 1 dealt a blow to Baltimore’s offensive plans, even though Gus Edwards and Justice Hill have admirably filled in, and rookie Keaton Mitchell shows potential. Enhancing their running game is enticing, especially given that the Ravens rank 17th in the league in rushing yards over expected per carry according to Next Gen Stats. Lamar Jackson contributes significantly to this figure, with 0.9 rushing yards over expected per carry, while Edwards and Hill are at 0.0. Moreover, considering that Hill and Mitchell are the only running backs currently under contract for the Ravens next year and beyond, making a significant move in this area has its appeal.
Another position to consider is pass rusher, but the Ravens currently lead the NFL in sacks with 29 and have already added veterans Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, both performing at a high level. With Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo’s potential returns from injuries, the pass rush unit appears to be in good shape. While they could seize a golden opportunity if one arises, acquiring pass rushers is typically costly.
There’s also a slight chance that wide receiver might be of interest. The Ravens could look to further bolster their receiving corps this season and in the future.
Mink: Speaking of the possibility of adding a running back, many questions have arisen this week regarding the potential acquisition of Titans running back Derrick Henry. Henry is undoubtedly one of the league’s premier running backs, known for his exceptional talent. If he becomes available (the Titans seem to be open to trades, having already traded standout safety Kevin Byard), it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Ravens express interest.
Trade deadline predictions for the Ravens? What position and what potential trade candidates can you foresee? #RavensMailbag
— Tyler G (@Ty_Strong) October 23, 2023
Henry is a workhorse running back who often excels late in games, wearing down opponents with his physicality. He could serve as a game-closer with the potential for game-changing plays, as seen in the Ravens’ game in London and on other occasions. While he could be a valuable addition, it’s worth noting that the Ravens’ offensive system might not accommodate him receiving over 20 carries per week as he does with the Titans.
What position is the target for the trade deadline?
— Simon Pongratz (@pongratz_simon) October 23, 2023
Reports suggest that the Giants are not looking to trade Saquon Barkley, and the Dolphins inquired about Josh Jacobs of the Raiders but were told he’s not available. However, teams often make such statements before ultimately making a trade. It’s unlikely that the Ravens would trade for a running back unless it’s a high-impact player. They don’t need depth in the running back position but could be interested in a difference-maker.
will we trade for derrick henry ? i need it i need it i need it😩
— .62$lat (@dareallsixx) October 23, 2023
Downing: Replicating the Ravens’ performance against the Lions last Sunday would be fantastic, but it’s essential to recognize that it’s challenging to achieve such dominance every week, even for the top NFL teams. Blowout victories are rare in the league, so we shouldn’t expect 32-point wins consistently. Various factors contributed to the success in the Lions game, such as improved execution, a strong offensive line, and smart play-calling by Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken.
What was the biggest difference in the Lions game compared to previous weeks, and can you replicate it consistently for the rest of the season?
— Scot McKay (@ScotMcKay) October 23, 2023
While duplicating that offensive output is difficult, the Ravens believe they can perform at a high level consistently. Lamar Jackson emphasized the need for such consistency, stating, “We just need to keep doing it week in and week out, not just one game. We just showed a glimpse today.” The defense was also outstanding in the game, though they expressed disappointment about conceding late yards and a touchdown.
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Downing: Tyus Bowser’s knee injury has been a perplexing situation this season. The Ravens were optimistic about his return for the regular-season opener during training camp, but now, in Week 7, there’s still uncertainty regarding his return. Bowser is on the non-football injury list due to an injury that occurred away from the team’s facility. Head Coach John Harbaugh indicated that Bowser’s situation became “a little more complicated,” and there may be an announcement about his status in the near future. Harbaugh told reporters this week that there’s “no resolution yet” regarding Bowser’s status. Bowser has been hosting a weekly radio show throughout the season, where he has been vague about his return timetable, indicating he’s working on getting back but without a firm schedule.