Ravens Finalizing Trade for Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett

The Ravens are finalizing a trade with the Cardinals for quarterback Jacoby Brissett, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Wednesday. Baltimore needed a real NFL starter badly, and Brissett, who was just benched in Arizona, is that guy. The deal is expected to be completed this weekend.

It's a lifeline for a season that's sliding. Lamar Jackson has a thumb injury that will require surgery and could end his year, and backup Tyler Huntley is out for the season with turf toe. The Ravens are 4-4, have lost three in a row and are last in the AFC North. Without Brissett, they were looking at a run of starts from an undrafted rookie.

Why Brissett Was Available

Brissett had started 20 straight games for Arizona dating back to Week 6 of last season. He got pulled late in the third quarter of Sunday's 33-30 overtime win over Dallas, and the Cardinals named Gardner Minshew their starter on Monday, with rookie Carson Beck as the backup. Brissett dropped to third string and asked for a trade the same day coach Mike LaFleur called him about the change, a source told ESPN.

The talks with Baltimore started after Sunday's game and picked up Tuesday. LaFleur didn't say much Wednesday beyond letting "the process play out."

What the Ravens Are Getting

Brissett is a pro who's been through every kind of situation. Over his last 20 games, he ranked first in the league in dropbacks, completions and attempts, and fourth in completion percentage over expected, per ESPN. The tough part is he took a beating behind that Arizona line, with 62 sacks over that stretch, tied for the most in the NFL. Arizona went 3-5 with him starting this year.

There's a comfort factor, too. Brissett reunites with Ravens quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork, who coached him in Arizona last season and in Cleveland in 2022. That should speed up the learning curve on a new playbook.

For the Ravens' skill guys, this is good news. ESPN's fantasy crew flagged Zay Flowers as a big winner, since a steady veteran should get the ball to him more than a rookie making his first start.

When Brissett Could Debut

He won't play Thursday. Joe Fagnano starts against the Jaguars at home, with Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed behind him. After that, the Ravens get an 11-day break, which should give Brissett time to be ready for the Chargers on Monday night, Nov. 16, at M&T Bank Stadium. That's the date to circle if you're a Ravens fan hoping this season isn't over yet.

Smacktok pick lean: Once Brissett starts, lean higher on Zay Flowers' receiving yards. Flowers leads Baltimore with 608 receiving yards and should see steadier targets with a veteran under center.