Ravens Land Brissett After Backfield Woes

The Baltimore Ravens officially signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett on Friday, November 6, to address immediate instability at the top of their offense. The move follows a string of injuries that left the team without a reliable starter, forcing them to rely on undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano. That decision proved costly, as the Ravens suffered a 33-10 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. With the team sitting at a 4-5 record, management sought a proven hand to guide them into the Week 10 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football.

Brissett arrived in Baltimore as a direct result of his sudden fall from grace in Arizona. He began the season as the Cardinals' starting quarterback but was demoted to third string earlier in the week. The drop in status prompted his request for a trade, a move that aligned with the Cardinals' desire to restructure their depth chart. The franchise will now look to Gardner Minshew as its primary option, with rookie Carson Beck serving as the backup. Head coach Mike LaFleur stated that the transaction served the best interests of the team.

The financial and draft capital details of the deal reflect a balanced exchange for both sides. Baltimore sent a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick to Arizona. In return, the Ravens received Brissett and a 2027 fifth-round selection. The Cardinals also handled a portion of Brissett's compensation by converting about half of his remaining $5.4 million salary into a signing bonus. This maneuver reduced the immediate cap hit for Arizona while securing a valuable asset for Baltimore.

Brissett brings a long history of NFL experience to the Ravens' locker room. He has played for the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders before his stint with the Cardinals. This marks his seventh professional team. His recent statistics show a completion rate of 63.3%, 1,719 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The Ravens hope this veteran presence will provide the necessary calm and command to improve their standing in the league.

The immediate test for Brissett comes on Monday night. He is scheduled to start against the Chargers in a nationally televised game. The outcome of that matchup will serve as the first indicator of whether this acquisition provides the stability the Ravens have been seeking since the season began.