By Austin Medina
The Ravens made a splashy trade earlier this week when they sent linebacker Kenny Young and an undisclosed 2020 draft pick for Marcus Peters.
Surely the trade was in response to the plethora of injuries that have occurred in the Ravens secondary. With Peters added (and Jimmy Smith returning from injury), the Ravens can look to improve another concerning unit: the pass rush.
Baltimore has endured a tough time in their attempts to replace edge rushers Terrell Suggs and Za’darius Smith, both who moved on in the offseason. Additionally, they cut former third round pick Tim Williams a few weeks ago.
With the NFL Trade Deadline on the 29th, Baltimore should look to add an edge rusher. Deciding just who that edge rusher is will be the biggest obstacle.
Perhaps the Ravens would entertain a trade for defensive end Michael Bennett. The 34-year old has seen a decreased role in New England, as he has played in less than 25% of defensive snaps.
Michael Bennett is Patriots' best trade chip, but will there be interest? https://t.co/TVpqAuw7s4 pic.twitter.com/Cv3RhiZjt3
— ESPNBoston (@ESPNBoston)
October 18, 2019 The Patriots suspended Bennett for a week for conduct detrimental to the team. According to Jordan Schultz, Bennett had a philosophical disagreement with a position coach regarding his playing time.
Just spoke with #Pats DE Michael Bennett, who provided this statement to ESPN re his one-week suspension: “On Friday, I had a philosophical disagreement with my position coach that has led to my suspension. I apologize to my teammates for any distraction this may have caused.”
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report)
October 15, 2019 Bennett has still shown he can get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Even in his limited role, Bennett has recorded 2.5 sacks and four QB hits. On the season, the Ravens have a combined 11 sacks. Bennett has recorded 65.5 career sacks, including an astounding 182 QB hits in 11 seasons. Of course his age and statistics may show he is on the decline. That said, the Ravens would not be risking much in trading a late-round pick for him.
Adding an experienced edge-rusher may serve dividends in the long run for Baltimore, especially with their young edge rusher Jaylon Ferguson in just his rookie season.
Even if Bennett remains on the Patriots past the deadline, the Ravens should look to add edge rushers in their pursuit of an AFC North title.
