Ravens to Trade for Cardinals Quarterback Jacoby Brissett Amid Injuries

The Baltimore Ravens are finalizing a trade to acquire quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals following a severe run of injuries in their quarterback room. ESPN insiders reported that the deal is expected to be completed over the weekend, providing the Ravens with a much-needed veteran signal-caller.

Baltimore faced a sudden and profound crisis at the position when two-time MVP Lamar Jackson returned from a three-game absence due to an ankle sprain, only to exit the game against the Buffalo Bills with a thumb injury requiring surgery. Jackson was subsequently placed on the injured reserve list and is expected to miss at least four games, and potentially the remainder of the season.

The situation worsened when backup Tyler Huntley entered the game but suffered a turf toe injury that is also expected to sideline him for an extended period. With both quarterbacks sidelined and placed on injured reserve, the Ravens were left with limited options, prompting them to turn to the trade market.

The acquisition comes after the Cardinals recently named Gardner Minshew II their new starting quarterback and demoted Brissett to the third-string behind Carson Beck. With Brissett effectively pushed out of the starting role in Arizona and facing an upcoming free agency in the offseason, the Cardinals opted to part ways with the veteran.

Because the trade will not be finalized in time for Thursday night's matchup, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano will start under center against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Ravens also added quarterbacks Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed to provide emergency depth for the immediate contest.

Once the paperwork is processed over the weekend, Brissett is expected to make his team debut in Week 10 during a Monday night game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Analysts note that Brissett's prior experience working with Baltimore quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork in Arizona could help ease his transition into the offense.

Standing at 4-4, the Ravens sit behind the AFC North lead and view Brissett as a steady game manager who can keep their competitive playoff window open while Jackson recovers. Despite a difficult start to the 2026 campaign in Arizona, where he threw for 1,719 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across eight starts, Brissett brings 11 seasons of professional experience to a Baltimore squad determined to salvage its season.