Ravens Acquire Jacoby Brissett From Cardinals: Full Trade Details Revealed as Baltimore Addresses Quarterback Crisis
By Brian Hradsky
The Baltimore Ravens have reportedly finalized a trade to acquire veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals, addressing a major need following injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, November 6, 2026, that Baltimore will receive Brissett and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round selection and a 2028 seventh-round selection. The agreement provides Baltimore with an experienced quarterback capable of stepping into the starting lineup while preserving much of the organization’s future draft capital. The move demonstrates that the Ravens intend to remain competitive despite significant adversity at the quarterback position.
Full Ravens-Cardinals Trade Details
According to Rapoport, the Ravens will receive quarterback Jacoby Brissett and Arizona’s 2027 fifth-round draft selection. In exchange, the Cardinals will acquire Baltimore’s 2027 fourth-round selection and a seventh-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft. The agreement effectively allows Baltimore to move down one round in the 2027 draft while adding a veteran quarterback for immediate assistance. The relatively modest compensation makes the transaction attractive for an organization attempting to remain competitive during an injury crisis.
Baltimore Ravens receive:
- Quarterback Jacoby Brissett
- 2027 fifth-round draft pick
Arizona Cardinals receive:
- 2027 fourth-round draft pick
- 2028 seventh-round draft pick
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta faced considerable pressure to address the quarterback position after injuries left Baltimore without its top two options. Rather than surrendering a premium draft selection, DeCosta secured an experienced player while maintaining valuable flexibility in future drafts. The inclusion of a fifth-round selection helps offset the cost of moving a fourth-round pick to Arizona. Baltimore now has a quarterback with extensive NFL starting experience who can help stabilize the offense.
Injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley Create Quarterback Emergency
Baltimore’s quarterback situation deteriorated following its loss to the Buffalo Bills, when Jackson and Huntley suffered significant injuries. Jackson sustained a serious right thumb injury that required surgery, creating uncertainty surrounding his availability for the remainder of the regular season. Huntley suffered a toe injury that is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the season. Those developments forced the Ravens to explore outside options rather than depend exclusively on inexperienced quarterbacks.
The Ravens entered the week with a 4-4 record and remained within striking distance of the AFC North leaders. Despite their inconsistent first half of the season, Baltimore still has enough talent to compete for a postseason appearance. Losing both established quarterbacks threatened to derail those ambitions before the team could make a second-half push. Acquiring Brissett gives Baltimore an opportunity to maintain stability while evaluating Jackson’s recovery.
The timing of the trade also reflects the organization’s urgency to remain competitive. Baltimore has invested heavily in its roster and cannot afford to abandon the season because of injuries at one position. The Ravens need a quarterback capable of executing the offense, protecting the football and providing leadership during a difficult stretch. Brissett offers those qualities even though his playing style differs significantly from Jackson’s.
What Jacoby Brissett Brings to Baltimore
Brissett, 33, entered the 2026 season with extensive NFL experience across multiple organizations. The New England Patriots originally selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he subsequently played for Indianapolis, Miami, Cleveland, Washington and Arizona. Throughout his career, Brissett has established himself as a dependable veteran capable of starting games when needed. His experience makes him a practical option for Baltimore during a period of significant uncertainty.
During eight starts with Arizona this season, Brissett completed 63.3% of his passes for 1,719 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Those numbers demonstrate his ability to generate passing production while also highlighting the importance of limiting turnovers. Baltimore will need Brissett to make intelligent decisions and avoid forcing difficult throws against opposing defenses. His ability to manage the offense efficiently could determine whether the Ravens remain competitive in the AFC playoff race.
Brissett also produced one of his strongest professional seasons with Arizona in 2025, throwing for 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns in 12 starts. That performance demonstrated his ability to lead a productive passing attack when provided with suitable protection and reliable receiving options. Baltimore hopes he can replicate some of that success while adapting to a new offensive system. Although he cannot duplicate Jackson’s extraordinary mobility, Brissett brings valuable experience and traditional pocket-passing ability.
Familiarity With Ravens Quarterbacks Coach Could Help Transition
One advantage for Brissett involves his previous working relationship with Ravens quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork. The two worked together in Cleveland during the 2022 season and later reunited in Arizona. That familiarity could make Brissett’s transition to Baltimore considerably easier than it would be for a quarterback unfamiliar with the coaching staff. Communication and preparation will be especially important because the veteran must learn a new offense during the middle of the season.
Head coach Jesse Minter and Baltimore’s offensive staff will need to adjust their approach to maximize Brissett’s strengths. Jackson’s mobility allows Baltimore to incorporate designed quarterback runs, improvisation and unconventional passing opportunities. Brissett operates primarily from the pocket and relies more heavily on timing, protection and disciplined decision-making. The Ravens must build their offensive strategy around those differences rather than expecting Brissett to reproduce Jackson’s unique abilities.
A simplified offensive approach could help Baltimore establish consistency while Brissett becomes familiar with the system. Short and intermediate passing concepts, play-action opportunities and an effective running game would reduce the pressure on the veteran quarterback. Baltimore should also emphasize protecting possessions and controlling field position rather than relying on explosive plays. Those adjustments could help the Ravens remain competitive against difficult opponents.
Derrick Henry Becomes Even More Important
Running back Derrick Henry could become the centerpiece of Baltimore’s offensive strategy following the acquisition of Brissett. Henry’s physical running style provides the Ravens with an opportunity to control the clock, establish manageable down-and-distance situations and reduce pressure on their quarterback. A productive rushing attack would also create favorable play-action opportunities against defenses forced to respect Baltimore’s ground game. The Ravens should prioritize offensive balance while their new quarterback adjusts to the system.
Baltimore’s offensive line must also provide more consistent protection after struggling against Buffalo. The Ravens invested heavily in their offensive front, including the acquisitions of Cam Jurgens and John Simpson and the selection of rookie Vega Ioane. Those investments become especially important with a quarterback who does not possess Jackson’s ability to escape pressure and extend plays. Protecting Brissett and creating running lanes for Henry will be essential to Baltimore’s success.
The Ravens cannot afford to place the entire responsibility for their offensive production on Brissett. Henry, the offensive line and Baltimore’s receiving corps must contribute to a balanced approach that limits unnecessary risks. Establishing an effective running game would allow Brissett to operate in favorable situations and reduce the number of difficult passing attempts. That formula gives Baltimore its best opportunity to remain competitive while Jackson recovers.
What Happens When Lamar Jackson Returns?
The acquisition of Brissett should not be interpreted as Baltimore moving away from Jackson as its franchise quarterback. Jackson remains one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive players, and his absence creates challenges that no available veteran could completely eliminate. Instead, the trade provides Baltimore with an experienced temporary starting option and additional quarterback depth. If Jackson recovers sufficiently to return this season, Brissett could transition into a valuable reserve role.
The timing of Jackson’s recovery will determine how long Baltimore needs Brissett to direct the offense. A prolonged absence would place greater responsibility on the veteran to keep the Ravens within reach of postseason contention. If Jackson returns before the regular season concludes, Baltimore could benefit from having an experienced quarterback already familiar with its offensive system. Either outcome makes the acquisition understandable given the organization’s immediate needs.
Brissett’s presence could also allow Baltimore to avoid rushing Jackson back before he is medically ready. The Ravens must balance their desire to remain competitive with the long-term importance of protecting their franchise quarterback. Having an experienced replacement provides additional flexibility when making those decisions. That flexibility represents another important benefit of the trade.
Ravens Still Have a Chance to Compete in the AFC North
Baltimore entered the week with a 4-4 record and remained two games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North standings. The Ravens still have a substantial portion of their schedule remaining, including important divisional matchups that could influence the postseason race. Although their quarterback injuries create considerable challenges, the organization clearly believes the season remains worth fighting for. Acquiring Brissett provides an opportunity to remain competitive rather than accepting a disappointing finish.
The Ravens have enough established talent to win games if they improve their offensive execution and defensive consistency. Henry provides a powerful rushing threat, while Baltimore’s defense has the potential to influence games through pressure and turnovers. Brissett does not need to reproduce Jackson’s spectacular performances for the Ravens to remain competitive. He needs to protect the football, sustain drives and capitalize on the opportunities created by his teammates.
Baltimore’s remaining schedule will test whether the team can overcome its quarterback adversity. The Ravens must improve their consistency and avoid the costly mistakes that have contributed to their uneven start. Brissett’s experience should help provide stability, but the entire roster must elevate its performance. The organization’s postseason ambitions will depend on collective execution rather than one acquisition.
Brian’s Take: Ravens Make a Smart, Low-Risk Move
I like this trade for Baltimore because it addresses an obvious need without sacrificing the organization’s most valuable draft assets. The Ravens desperately needed an experienced quarterback following the injuries to Jackson and Huntley, and Brissett represents one of the more practical options available. His career record as a starter is not particularly impressive, but his experience and ability to manage an offense make him a considerable upgrade over relying exclusively on untested quarterbacks. The inclusion of a 2027 fifth-round selection also makes the overall compensation easier to justify.
The biggest concern is whether Baltimore’s offensive line can provide enough protection for Brissett to operate effectively. Jackson’s mobility often allows him to escape pressure and create plays that would otherwise break down, but Brissett does not offer that same dimension. The Ravens must establish Henry and create favorable passing situations instead of asking Brissett to carry the offense through difficult circumstances. If Baltimore continues struggling with protection and defensive consistency, even an experienced quarterback may have difficulty reversing the team’s fortunes.
What makes this transaction particularly appealing is the relatively small difference between the draft selections involved. Baltimore gives up a fourth-round pick but receives a fifth-rounder in the same draft, meaning the Ravens are not simply surrendering a valuable selection without receiving additional draft capital. The extra seventh-round pick in 2028 represents another manageable cost for acquiring an established quarterback. Considering the team’s immediate needs, this is a reasonable price for the opportunity to remain competitive.
Brissett is not Jackson, and Ravens fans should not expect him to reproduce the explosive plays that have defined Baltimore’s offense for years. However, the Ravens do not necessarily need spectacular quarterback performances to win games if their running game, defense and special teams improve. They need someone who can protect the football, move the chains and take advantage of favorable matchups. Brissett has demonstrated throughout his career that he can perform those responsibilities.
The trade also shows that DeCosta remains committed to competing despite Baltimore’s difficult circumstances. Some organizations might have accepted their injuries and focused on future seasons, but the Ravens instead acquired an experienced quarterback without sacrificing significant long-term resources. That approach gives Baltimore a chance to remain relevant in the AFC North while Jackson continues his recovery. The decision deserves credit even if the team’s ultimate results remain uncertain.
MSB Trade Grade: B+
Baltimore addressed its most urgent roster problem without surrendering premium draft capital, making this a sensible move under difficult circumstances. The trade does not guarantee a playoff appearance or eliminate the challenges created by Jackson’s injury. It does, however, provide the Ravens with an experienced quarterback who offers a better opportunity to remain competitive while the organization evaluates its long-term situation. For a team facing considerable uncertainty, that represents meaningful progress.
