The Baltimore Ravens are facing a quarterback crisis after losing their top two signal-callers to season-ending injuries, leaving the team to consider trade options before the NFL deadline.
Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury on his first passing attempt in a 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, requiring surgery and landing him on injured reserve. Tyler Huntley then sustained a season-ending turf toe injury. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano stepped in, completing 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards with one interception against Buffalo, but he is nursing an ankle injury and is questionable for the Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. The Ravens have added Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed to the roster, and Fagnano could join Anthony Brown as the only undrafted rookie quarterbacks to start a game for Baltimore.
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals demoted Jacoby Brissett to third-string this week, moving forward with Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck. Brissett was benched for Minshew in the third quarter of the Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys, after which Minshew threw three fourth-quarter touchdown passes to force overtime. In eight games this season, Brissett has completed 63.3% of his passes for 1,719 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His 75.6 yards per game to tight end Trey McBride entering Week 8 were the most by a quarterback-tight end combination since 1970 (minimum 15 games). While not a Pro Bowl candidate, Brissett represents a borderline starter who would be an upgrade over an undrafted rookie or career backup.
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson, the former No. 4 overall pick, has not made a start since 2024. The 24-year-old is 8-7 as a starter, completing 50.9% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 18 career games. Availability and consistency have been major concerns, but a change of scenery could revitalize his career. Richardson is a dual-threat athlete who averaged 40 rushing yards per game in his first two seasons and scored 10 rushing touchdowns, potentially pairing well with running back Derrick Henry in a read-option offense.
Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears
Tyson Bagent, an undrafted 2023 rookie from Division II Shepherd University, has been mentioned as a trade candidate due to his familiarity with new Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Bagent made four starts as a rookie, including a prime-time win over Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. He signed a two-year, $10 million extension in 2025 but has struggled this season: 268 yards and one interception in a Week 4 win over the New York Jets, followed by 87 yards and two interceptions in a 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers. By comparison, 38-year-old Case Keenum threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 3 upset of the Philadelphia Eagles. If the Bears seek a fourth-round pick for Bagent, the Ravens would likely decline.
With the trade deadline approaching next Tuesday and the Ravens sitting at 4-4 and last in their division, general manager Eric DeCosta must weigh whether to pursue a proven veteran, a high-upside project, or a familiar backup to navigate the remainder of the season.
