Three Important Ravens Up for Trade: Key Players Potentially on the Move
As the NFL offseason heats up and teams begin making moves to better their rosters for the upcoming season, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in a pivotal situation. With a roster full of talent, the Ravens are looking to free up cap space, build for the future, and address weaknesses, which could mean making difficult decisions about some of their key players. Trade rumors are swirling around three important players, all of whom could potentially be on the move in the coming months.
These three players have been significant contributors to the Ravens’ success over the past few seasons, but now, the team must decide whether to continue building around them or use their value to bolster other areas of the roster. Let’s break down who these three players are, the impact they’ve had on the Ravens, and what trade scenarios might make sense for both the team and the players involved.
1. Lamar Jackson – Quarterback
Lamar Jackson is the face of the Ravens’ franchise and one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL. Since being drafted in 2018, Jackson has reshaped the Ravens’ offense with his unique combination of speed, arm strength, and playmaking ability. A former NFL MVP (2019), Jackson has led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances and has helped transform the team’s offensive identity into one of the most potent rushing attacks in the league.
However, the relationship between Jackson and the Ravens front office has been a topic of concern over the past year, particularly with contract negotiations and Jackson’s role in the team’s future. While the Ravens have been cautious about committing long-term to Jackson, the reality is that there has been significant friction regarding a new deal. As of the 2025 offseason, Jackson could be on the move if the team and the quarterback can’t reach an agreement on a long-term extension.
Trade Possibilities:
Should the Ravens decide to trade Lamar Jackson, several teams with quarterback needs would likely come calling. Teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, and even the New Orleans Saints have been rumored to be interested in acquiring a star quarterback to boost their playoff chances.
A trade for Jackson would certainly fetch a significant return, potentially involving multiple high draft picks and young talent to help rebuild the team. While trading a player of Jackson’s caliber would be a difficult decision, it could provide the Ravens with the capital needed to make improvements to their roster, especially at the wide receiver and defensive positions.
2. Marlon Humphrey – Cornerback
Marlon Humphrey is another key player whose future with the Ravens is in question. As one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, Humphrey has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense since being drafted in 2017. Known for his physicality, ball skills, and ability to lock down top receivers, Humphrey has been an essential part of the Ravens’ defense, helping them compete in the tough AFC North division.
Despite his importance to the defense, the Ravens could look to move on from Humphrey as part of a larger rebuild. As the team looks to free up salary cap space and invest in other areas, trading Humphrey may become a viable option. The cornerback position is deep in the NFL, and teams with playoff aspirations may be willing to part with valuable assets to acquire a player of Humphrey’s caliber, especially given his experience and track record.
Trade Possibilities:
Humphrey would attract interest from contending teams looking to add a shutdown corner to their secondary. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, or Philadelphia Eagles, all of which have Super Bowl aspirations, could see Humphrey as a piece that helps elevate their defense.
In return, the Ravens would likely seek multiple high draft picks or a combination of young, talented players who could contribute immediately. Trading Humphrey would be a tough pill to swallow for Ravens fans, but it could provide the team with an influx of assets to retool the roster for the future.
3. Ronnie Stanley – Offensive Tackle
Ronnie Stanley is another player who could be on the trading block. After being drafted by the Ravens in 2016, Stanley quickly established himself as one of the top left tackles in the league. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and open up running lanes for the team’s dominant rushing attack has made him an integral part of the Ravens’ offensive line.
However, Stanley’s injury history has raised concerns. He missed the majority of the 2021 season due to a serious ankle injury and has been inconsistent in his ability to stay healthy since then. While he still holds a significant amount of value around the league as one of the better offensive tackles when healthy, the Ravens may decide to move on from Stanley in order to focus on building their offensive line with a younger, more durable player.
Trade Possibilities:
The trade market for a player like Stanley would depend largely on his health and teams’ willingness to take a risk on his injury history. Contenders with championship aspirations—like the Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, or even the Minnesota Vikings—may see Stanley as a player who can solidify their offensive line and help protect their quarterbacks.
In exchange, the Ravens would likely target young, ascending players or mid-to-late round draft picks, hoping to acquire talent that can contribute immediately or develop over time. The Ravens’ offensive line could undergo significant changes if Stanley is moved, but this trade would free up significant cap space for Baltimore to address other areas of need.
Why the Ravens Might Trade These Players
The decision to trade these key players is not one the Ravens will make lightly. All three of these individuals have been integral to the team’s success in recent years, and moving them would signal a major shift in the franchise’s direction. However, there are several factors that could make trades appealing for the team:
- Salary Cap Concerns – The Ravens are a team that often has to manage their salary cap carefully. With several big contracts on the roster, including Jackson’s potential future deal, Humphrey’s contract, and Stanley’s cap hit, trading these players could help the team free up necessary cap space to make moves in free agency, particularly to improve their receiving corps or defensive line.
- Rebuilding for the Future – With Lamar Jackson’s contract situation up in the air and the team looking to make a deep playoff run, the Ravens could also consider trading some of these key players to rebuild for the long term. By acquiring draft picks and young talent in exchange for veterans, the Ravens could set themselves up for success in the future while maintaining financial flexibility.
- Injury Concerns – Stanley’s injury history and Humphrey’s recent struggles with injuries may push the team to move on from these players if they believe the risk outweighs the reward. While Jackson’s situation is more related to contract negotiations and the team’s offensive system, the Ravens may feel that parting ways with players dealing with health issues is in the best interest of their long-term future.
What’s Next for These Ravens Players?
For Lamar Jackson, Marlon Humphrey, and Ronnie Stanley, their futures remain uncertain as the offseason progresses. Each player holds significant trade value, but ultimately, the decision to part with them will come down to how the Ravens front office weighs their potential against the long-term benefits of trading them.
For Jackson, the decision could rest on how his contract talks progress, as well as how the team views his role in the offense going forward. Humphrey and Stanley’s futures are more tied to the team’s rebuilding strategy, health concerns, and salary cap constraints.
While all three players have been vital components of the Ravens’ success over the years, the reality of the NFL’s salary cap and ever-evolving roster decisions means that these once-unthinkable trades may soon become a reality. The coming months will be crucial for both the Ravens and these players as the team looks to reshape its roster for the future while balancing the need for cap space, health, and talent acquisition. Whether they stay or go, the decisions made with these key players will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the franchise’s direction.