There’s a growing rumor that the Baltimore Ravens could trade for Seattle Seahawk edge rusher Boye Mafe this offseason. According to reports, the Ravens are in dire need of a new edge rusher since losing Jadeveon Clowney last off-season and Mafe could fit into that puzzle. Baltimore has yet to find a capable replacement and it hasn’t been getting better when they lost Malik Harrison to the Pittsburgh Steelers just after losing Geno Stone to them as well last offseason. The focus point for the Ravens has been the offense, but it’s time for them to have some potential upgrades on their defense, which was the worst last year.
Metcalf 'ecstatic' to hear of Steelers' interest before Seahawks trade
Adding a guy like Mafe with a lot of upside to the equation could make sense for Baltimore, especially when linebacker Trenton Simpson has been failing to live up to expectations. Now, the Ravens are counting on an injury-bugged athlete like David Ojabo. Mafe is easily the best upgrade in this situation and since he’s entering his contract year, it might be affordable for Baltimore to facilitate a trade. Originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Minnesota product began his career carving out a role for the Seahawks, recording three starts while notching 41 sacks and three tackles.
Mafe has been evolving as a legitimate defensive stalwart for the Seahawks, where he became a game-changer in momentum shifts. The Ravens could use someone like him, especially since other defenders like Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith are getting older. This probably won’t be the only team to potentially pursue Mafe, but these two teams could look to trade for him.
Ravens, Seahawks Connected in Boye Mafe Trade – Chargers, Chiefs Could Intervene
Help for Khalil Mack
The Los Angeles Chargers are in the best position to go further in the postseason if they want to. However, the defense will look dramatically different as Poona Ford left for a higher-paid contract and released Joey Bosa. As of this posting, the Chargers will have one of the worst pass-rushing units if they don’t add more capable defenders. Da’Shawn Hand is not the ideal solution for the bigger issue that the Chargers while Scott Matlock is alone as the only other defensive end on the other side.
It’s not like they don’t have the cap space for it; it’s very questionable what the Chargers are doing. Mafe is easily the better upgrade and is more than affordable in their price range. The Chargers need someone to replace Ford, even though Teair Tart is returning on a new one-year deal. Mafe has a lot of positives and will likely excel in this defense.
Chasing Championship Rings
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs still have one of the best defensive tackles in Chris Jones, but they need to address the pass-rushing unit. George Karlaftis did show some signs of improvement, but it’s nothing on the level of explosive. Felix Anudike-Uzomah may never earn a starting role, but he could continue to learn, so it’s better to get an immediate answer to give Jones some balance.
This where Mafe comes into the bubble. He could easily become the best edge rusher and give the Chiefs the stability they’re looking for.
