Breaking down Jalen Ramsey’s best fits and trade ideas
By Ian Wharton
Baltimore Ravens
Proposed trade: 2020 1st rounder, 2020 fourth rounder, TE Hayden Hurst, CB Jimmy Smith
Why they should do it:
The Ravens have a lot of momentum right now thanks to nailing their revamp around Lamar Jackson. They’re cheap on offense but significantly talented, and have the perfect defense to slide Jalen Ramsey in. It also helps that Ramsey has praised Jackson in the past amid his criticisms of other quarterbacks.
Also, it must be mentioned that the secondary of Ramsey, Marlon Humphrey and Earl Thomas would be legendary. The former two would be an even better duo than Ramsey was with A.J. Bouye, and Thomas’ resume speaks for itself. The Ravens would solidify themselves as a top-three AFC team.
Why they shouldn’t:
The Ravens have less reason to not do this deal than anyone else thanks to their cap flexibility and ability to give assets for Ramsey. They can release or trade Jimmy Smith if they want, but don’t need to in order to take in Ramsey. Trading Hayden Hurst wouldn’t be too painful since he’s the second-best tight end they drafted in 2018.
Having to pay Ramsey and Humphrey on top-corner deals would eventually be costly, and one day Jackson will need paid as well. Those are very long-term problems though and shouldn’t be too much of an impediment.
Of course the Ravens should make this deal if they can.