The Ravens are one of a handful of NFL teams currently equipped to win a Super Bowl, and adding a weapon like Davante Adams could get Baltimore over the hump against Kansas City, Buffalo, Houston, and others.
John Harbaugh’s group is a run-first team and has a hard enough time navigating a downfield passing attack, but they have the NFL’s top front office and are constantly doing due diligence on players who can improve the roster.
Ian Rapoport reported that Adams wants out of Las Vegas, and a Baltimore team that’s 2-2 and a Super Bowl contender could make the list of destinations.
Baltimore got an up-close look at Adams in a Week 2 loss to the Raiders, as the star wide receiver went for 110 yards and one touchdown on nine catches and 12 targets.
Adams previously praised Lamar Jackson and would upgrade an already solid Ravens passing attack. Adams signed a five-year, $140 million contract with the Raiders in 2022 following a trade from the Packers.
The Ravens currently have over $4 million in available salary cap space.
According to Over The Cap, the cost to trade for Adams today would be $13.526 million. That number would drop by $968K each week that Adams remains on the Raiders roster. Eleven teams in the NFL, including the Jets, Cowboys, and Browns, have the cap space necessary to make such a trade.
This 2024 season is the final year of guaranteed money ($16.8M), and he’s carrying a $25 million cap hit this year, along with a $44 million cap hit in 2025 and a $45 million cap hit in 2026, the final year of his deal.
Baltimore needs another weapon on the outside, so we’re considering five moves Eric DeCosta could potentially make to close this deal using OTC’s transaction table.
Restructure QB Lamar Jackson
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Cap space created: $11 million
Jackson is again playing at an MVP level, and the Ravens could simply turn this cash into a signing bonus.
Extend Marcus Williams
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Marcus Williams (32) celebrates with Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) after recovering a fumble during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Cap space created: $8,632,000
Williams has failed to log more than 800 snaps in his first two years in Baltimore. But when he is on the field, he is still among the best safeties in the league, especially in pass coverage.
Extend CB Marlon Hunphrey
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens breaks up a pass intended for Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Cap space created: $8,432,000
Humphrey has adjusted well to the slot cornerback role with Nate Wiggins entrenched on the outside. Humphrey is still a solid player, and can make the transition to safety at some point.
Extend TE Mark Andrews
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) runs with the ball as Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) attempts to make a tackle during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Cap space created: $7,900,000
Extend CB Brandon Stephens
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) is tackled after a reception by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
Cap space created: $1,648,800
Stephens has earned a new deal, and an extension would keep the Ravens secondary together for years to come.
