The Baltimore Ravens officially landed Jacoby Brissett on Friday morning, sealing a trade with the Arizona Cardinals that immediately reshapes their quarterback room after losing both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley to injured reserve for the remainder of the season. This move, which became official after the team’s Thursday Night matchup, gives Baltimore a much-needed veteran presence under center and dramatically alters their outlook for the rest of the 2026 campaign.
The QB Disaster That Forced Baltimore’s Hand
Baltimore faced an absolute nightmare scenario following their Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Losing both Jackson and Huntley to season-ending injuries put them in an impossible position, forcing them to rely on Joe Fagnano in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Anyone who watched that game knows what Fagnano put on display, and it was crystal clear the team needed serious quarterback help. The front office had to act, and fast, if they wanted any chance to compete this season. With their top two guys out, the Brissett trade wasn’t just a luxury, it was a desperate necessity to give this team a shot.
Breaking Down the Brissett Haul: A Steal for Baltimore
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke down the full trade compensation, and frankly, it looks like Baltimore pulled off a fantastic deal. The Ravens receive quarterback Jacoby Brissett and a 2027 fifth-round pick. In exchange, the Arizona Cardinals get a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick.
At first glance, giving up a fourth-round pick for Brissett might sound like a lot. But here’s the kicker: they’re getting a fifth-rounder back in the same draft. This means, if these picks play out as projected, Baltimore only moved around 30 picks backward in the 2027 draft. Add in the 2028 seventh-rounder, which is minimal compensation in the grand scheme of things, and this trade was a total win. While Brissett isn’t a great starter by any means, having been benched for Gardner Minshew against a poor Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 8, he’s a significant upgrade over what they had. The drop from a fourth to a fifth round pick isn’t stark, making the price for a starting quarterback incredibly low given the circumstances.
What Brissett’s Arrival Means for the Rest of the Season
This trade wasn’t just about finding a warm body to throw the ball. It’s about giving the entire team a chance. Young, long-term players like Zay Flowers, Derrick Henry, and Ja’Kobi Lane now have a quarterback who can help them succeed. The Ravens can realistically compete in games for the rest of the season, something that seemed impossible just days ago. Even if the team misses the playoffs this season, which is still a real possibility, this was a good trade. They filled an urgent, catastrophic need without sacrificing significant draft capital or future assets. The Baltimore front office deserves credit for making a smart, decisive move under immense pressure.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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