The Baltimore Ravens have not had a consistent superstar pass rusher since the days Terrell Suggs roamed their defensive front. Guys like Elvis Dumervil, Matthew Judon, and Kyle Van Noy have all had stellar seasons in Baltimore, but none have posted the threat that Suggs did for so many years. That could soon change, though.
Dallas Cowboys superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons recently requested a trade, opening the opportunity for many teams to land a new franchise cornerstone off the edge. While the Ravens already have an embarrassment of riches on both the offensive and defensive sides, Parsons is a game-changer, and they must do their due diligence in testing the waters of his trade market.
Ravens could add another superstar pass rusher to the AFC North
The one place Baltimore falls short of their AFC North rivals is edge rushers. The Pittsburgh Steelers just paid T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett signed a new lucrative extension with the Cleveland Browns over the offseason, and although the Cincinnati Bengals are struggling to extend Trey Hendrickson, the 2024 sack leader has now shown up for training camp. The Ravens do not have a star of that trio’s quality at outside linebacker.
Sure, Van Noy and Odafe Oweh turned in strong campaigns in 2024, but each had inconsistent stretches. The unit as a whole tallied 54 sacks, the second most in the NFL last season; however, they failed to win on a down-to-down basis. This was put on full display in the Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills, where quarterback Josh Allen had all the time in the world to throw, leading to another Ravens playoff loss. Parsons could flip that script.
Baltimore’s biggest issue with a potential deal would be its cap situation, especially given its 2026 free agent class. They have numerous star players in need of a payday, including center Tyler Linderbaum and defensive tackle Travis Jones. Pretty soon, All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton and wide receiver Zay Flowers will need extensions, too.
With so much money being handed out, and their cap space already tight, it would be difficult to make a deal work. But if Baltimore is serious about winning a Super Bowl, the time could be now to pounce on those aspirations.
The Cowboys are unwilling to trade Parsons, but if they eventually crack and begin to entertain offers, Baltimore should be on the phone. The asking price will be through the roof, but the Ravens have the talent in-house and the picks to match almost any trade package in the league.
General Manager Eric DeCosta tends to be stingy with draft picks, but for the right player, he has shown a willingness to make the move. At the end of the day, it will come down to money, as Parsons is demanding a lot, but a defender of his caliber, there is no doubt that he would raise the team's ceiling as a Super Bowl contender.
