By Joe Schiller
The NFL trade deadline is only five days away, and the clock is ticking for the Baltimore Ravens. After acquiring two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters last week, General Manager Eric DeCosta could be active in trade talks again. The Ravens are 5-2 in the bye week and considered legitimate contenders in the AFC at this point.
If DeCosta were to make a trade, pass rush is the most obvious move.
The Ravens lost veteran outside linebacker Pernell McPhee to a season-ending triceps injury against the Seahawks. The unit lacks established pass rush talent outside of Matthew Judon and the schedule gets significantly more difficult from here on out.
But who are the targets?
Patriots defensive end Michael Bennett has been rumored as a potential trade target. The 34-year-old has had a limited impact in New England this season, and seemed unhappy coming off a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental. However, the Ravens and Patriots play each other in Week 9. It wouldn't make much sense for Bill Belichick to trade a player who they'd face less than one week later.
Michael Bennett isn't happy with his role in New England. Bennett told reporters that he took nothing away from his one-game suspension for conduct detrimental. "I got suspended, lost money. What am I supposed to take away from that?"Do you want to be traded? "It's up to them."
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) October 23, 2019The most popular name seems to be Yannick Ngakoue. The University of Maryland product had a breakout campaign with the Jaguars in his first three seasons, totaling 29.5 sacks. But entering a contract year, the former third-round pick has not reached an extension, which could prompt the Jaguars' front office to make a deal before he walks for no compensation. The team recently did that with All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Like Peters, there's a chance Ngakoue would only be a short-term rental for the Ravens. But for a team who believes they have the pieces to compete for a Lombardi Trophy this season, I wouldn't hate the move considering the little compensation they'd probably have to give up.
