The Baltimore Ravens are facing a quarterback crisis after losing their top two signal-callers to injury, leaving the team scrambling for options ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury requiring surgery in the Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills, landing him on injured reserve and potentially ending his season. Backup Tyler Huntley then suffered a season-ending turf toe injury, forcing undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into action. Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards with one interception against Buffalo but is now nursing an ankle injury and is questionable for Thursday's Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Ravens have added Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed to the roster, but general manager Eric DeCosta may pursue a more established starter before Tuesday's trade deadline. Baltimore sits at 4-4 and last in the AFC North, but the season remains salvageable.
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals demoted Jacoby Brissett to third-string this week, elevating Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck. Brissett was benched during the Week 8 overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys after Minshew threw three fourth-quarter touchdown passes. Despite the demotion, Brissett has completed 63.3% of his passes for 1,719 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in eight games. His 75.6 yards per game to tight end Trey McBride entering Week 8 marked the most by a quarterback-tight end combination since 1970 (minimum 15 games). Brissett would represent a borderline starter upgrade over an undrafted rookie or career backup.
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson offers the highest upside but also the most risk. The former No. 4 overall pick has not started since 2024 and holds an 8-7 record as a starter with a 50.9% completion rate, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 18 career games. Availability and consistency have been concerns, but a change of scenery could revitalize his career. Richardson's dual-threat ability — averaging 40 rushing yards per game with 10 rushing touchdowns in his first two seasons — could complement running back Derrick Henry in a read-option heavy offense.
Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears
Tyson Bagent has familiarity with new Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. The undrafted 2023 rookie from Division II Shepherd University made four starts last season, including a prime-time win over Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. Bagent signed a two-year, $10 million extension in 2025 but has struggled this year: 268 yards and one interception in a Week 4 win over the New York Jets, followed by 87 yards and two interceptions in a Week 5 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Bears' quarterback room includes 38-year-old Case Keenum, who threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 3 upset of the Philadelphia Eagles. If Chicago demands a fourth-round pick for Bagent, the Ravens may decline.
