Ravens should avoid being tempted by a recent trade theory for an NFC East pass rusher
The Baltimore Ravens continue to win and remain in the Super Bowl conversation for a reason: they are well-run. Ozzie Newsome handed the reins to Eric DeCosta, ensuring a seamless transition. That phrase perfectly captures the situation.
On the field, they're in good hands. John Harbaugh has been at the helm as this team's head coach for longer than some of our kids have been alive. Their gunslinger at quarterback, Lamar Jackson, is a two-time MYP who should have won his third this past season (sorry, Josh Allen).
The Ravens succeed because they make wise decisions. How's that for insight? It's a simple theory, yet its construction is complex. That said, it may not be necessary to caution them against considering a recent trade idea that was mentioned, but I'll go ahead and offer that warning anyway.
Trading for Kayvon Thibodeaux certainly isn't the solution for the Baltimore Ravens.
Confession... It has been tough lately. Every weekend brings a Sunday without Ravens football, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to maintain my sanity.
Mowing the lawn doesn't help. Neither does extra exercise. Social media is probably the last thing we should be paying attention to, but alas, we keep venturing to Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Here's a theory that no one with the authority to make this type of decision has expressed, but one name that keeps getting tossed around belongs to Kayvon Thibodeaux. We're hearing and reading this more frequently. All 22 Films brought this up a couple of months ago. That fueled a few social media postings. Chat Sports' Ravens Rundown followed suit with a similar suggestion. We won't even get into the response and buzz that occasionally swells on social media.
There are a few things wrong with this, one being that it doesn't seem like Thibodeaux is available. Another issue is that, though there is talent there, he has never quite delivered what is expected of him. He keeps vowing to break the NFL's single-season sack record. He has yet to make that happen.
Think about it. If the former Oregon pass rusher was producing what the New York Giants had hoped, would they trade for Brian Burns or draft Abdul Carter third overall this past April?
The logic is understandable. Adding two elite pass rushers may make Thibodeaux seem expendable to the Giants, but the Ravens have a potentially equal or greater talent in second-round draftee Mike Green. They also added undrafted rookie free agent Kaimon Rucker, and don't forget. Jadeveon Clowney is also available.
If Baltimore isn't interested in grabbing him, the more proven commodity, they'd be better suited to stick with what they have. Again, we haven't heard of any genuine interest in Thibodeaux swirling, but it's sometimes beneficial to get ahead of these things before any real traction becomes noticeable.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
19 minutes ago
- USA Today
Blue-chip OL sets commitment date, Longhorns in top four
Texas has multiple offensive linemen committed for the 2026 cycle. On July 4, they have a great opportunity to add one of the top players not only at his position but in the entire country. That's when five-star Felix Ojo will make his decision between Texas, Ohio State, Florida, and Michigan per Hayes Fawcett. Back in May, Texas got the only crystal ball prediction for Ojo. As things currently stand, the Longhorns have the No. 12 recruiting class. However, with five-star defensive lineman Bryce Perry-Wright as a high possibility also, snagging Ojo as well would likely get them into the top 10. Florida and Ohio State hosted Ojo for official visits in May. He took one to Michigan in June, but his final visit from his list of top contenders went to Texas a week later on June 13. Ojo is the nation's No. 7 overall player and the No. 2 offensive tackle according to 247Sports composite rankings. They also have the 6-foot-6, 275-pounder as the No. 1 prospect in the state of Texas. The Longhorns were both last month adding commitments with seven. They haven't had one since June 22 when four-star edge Richard Wesley made his pledge. Being able to get Ojo would get the recruitment trail rolling again. Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on X (Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience
USA Today
28 minutes ago
- USA Today
Auburn Tigers football: Jay Crawford 2025 player profile
Crawford was one of Auburn's top defenders as a true freshman. How will he progress this season? Auburn freshmen played the third-most snaps last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and cornerback Jay Crawford was in the middle of the scrum. Crawford was one of eight Tigers to put in at least 500 snaps last season, putting in 503. His snap total was the eighth-highest among Auburn defenders, and the second-most among Auburn freshmen on the defensive side of the ball, trailing just Kaleb Harris (608). Crawford made the most of his time on the field, as he was very effective in overall defense and tackling. His 76.6 defensive grade, which ranked No. 5 among players who appeared in at least 10 games last season for Auburn, and his 77.5 coverage grade, which was No. 2 among players who appeared in at least 10 games, led him to receive Freshman All-America honors from Pro Football Focus. Crawford missed just five tackles last season, and had a catch rate of 40%. How much will he grow in 2025? Here is a look at Crawford's player profile ahead of the 2025 season. Jay Crawford's personal profile Jay Crawford as a recruit Jay Crawford's career numbers Jay Crawford's PFF report card The best photos of Jay Crawford's career Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
USA Today
32 minutes ago
- USA Today
T.J. Watt landing spots: Eagles, Lions top options if Steelers trade All-Pro
T.J. Watt has spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers since being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Could that change during the 2025 NFL offseason? Watt and the Steelers are in the process of negotiating a potential long-term extension. The 30-year-old is entering the final year of a four-year, $112.01 million contract he signed in 2021, but is due a raise after Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett reset the NFL's edge rusher market with a four-year, $160 million deal earlier this offseason. Thus far, Watt and the Steelers have not been able to bridge the gap. The veteran skipped Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp amid the negotiations, leading many to wonder whether the two parties would eventually be able to reach a deal. T.J. WATT: What we know about All-Pro's contract dispute, trade rumors The Steelers remain focused on keeping Watt and signing him to an extension and would prefer not to trade him. As such, it stands to reason they will eventually agree to a new contract that keeps the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year in Pittsburgh long-term. Nonetheless, teams will continue to inquire about Watt's availability. It is still possible, although unlikely, that the two sides could reach an impasse and part ways. Who would be Watt's top suitors if that happens? Plenty of contenders would be interested in his services, while the Steelers would likely prefer to send him to the NFC if their relationship deteriorates. JALEN RAMSEY TRADE: Dolphins deal star CB to Steelers in blockbuster move Philadelphia Eagles Could Watt stay in Pennsylvania even if he and the Steelers can't reach an agreement? Howie Roseman has never been afraid to make aggressive trades, has $30.8 million in cap space available and could use another playmaker on the edge. The Eagles lost several edge rushers during the offseason, as Josh Sweat signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, Bryce Huff was traded to the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Graham retired. Philadelphia still has some young talent at the position in Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, but adding a proven veteran like Watt would help keep its Super Bowl window open. Detroit Lions Aidan Hutchinson is one of the best young pass rushers in the NFL, but the Lions don't have a proven No. 2 option across from him. Watt would more than fill that need and could pair with Hutchinson to become one of the NFL's most dynamic pass-rushing duos. Detroit is one of just three NFL teams with more than $40 million in cap space for the upcoming season, making it relatively easy for Brad Holmes to fit Watt into the team's financial plan. NFL ROOKIES TO WATCH: Ashton Jeanty headlines most explosive players in 2025 Green Bay Packers The Packers spent a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Lukas Van Ness, hoping he could develop into a quality starter across from Rashan Gary. That plan hasn't yet come to fruition. Watt would be a quality partner for Gary and would allow Van Ness to remain in a top backup role while he continues to develop. Green Bay has $35.5 million in available cap space – the fifth-most in the NFL – so the Packers could easily afford to swing a deal for the All-Pro. Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Buccaneers signed Haason Reddick to a one-year deal during the 2025 NFL offseason but that won't preclude them from pursuing a talent like Watt. Calijah Kancey led Tampa Bay with 7.5 sacks last season, but the Buccaneers could use a legitimate double-digit sack threat on the outside. Watt would qualify, and the Buccaneers – who have won three consecutive NFC South titles – have a respectable $26.6 million in cap space for the upcoming season. Los Angeles Rams The Rams have plenty of young talent on the defensive line, including reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse. Los Angeles could choose to roll with what it has at the position, but there's little doubt Watt and Verse would make a fierce pass-rushing duo, much like the one Von Miller and Aaron Donald formed during the Rams' Super Bowl 56 win. Les Snead has never been afraid to trade draft picks for proven players, and Matthew Stafford is entering his age-37 season. That should put Watt firmly on Los Angeles' radar.
