Andrew Buller-Russ
Typically, when the Baltimore Ravens‘ defense becomes a discussion point, it’s because they’ve had an elite unit that teams covet. That’s not the case this season.
While the Ravens’ weaknesses can be partially attributed to missing several starters on defense, some players, like Justin Madubuike, won’t be returning this season. Considering the Ravens rank dead last in points allowed per game, it’s time to discuss what can be done to help ensure a 1-3 start doesn’t twist to 1-4 after Sunday’s matchup with the Houston Texans.
Below, we dive into five players the Ravens should consider to help upgrade a unit allowing 33.3 points per game thus far.
Dalvin Tomlinson
Losing two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike to a season-ending neck injury will be felt throughout the defense. Considering the Ravens allowed 38 and 37 points in the past two games, it looks like they already miss their talented DT. His production simply won’t be replaced, but the Ravens do need another contributor along the line.
One potential solution could be to call the 2-2 Cardinals about trading for Dalvin Tomlinson. Known for his immense strength, Tomlinson is grading as the 17th-best run-stuffing DT this season per Pro Football Focus. That could help a unit that’s allowed the NFL’s second-most rushing touchdowns through four games. Trading for the 31-year-old shouldn’t cost anything more than a late-round draft pick, making him a low-cost target that could pay major dividends.
Kendall Fuller
With Marlon Humphrey set to miss multiple weeks with a calf injury and Nate Wiggins dealing with an elbow injury, it may be time for the Baltimore Ravens to consider another defender who can help in coverage. Free agent Kendall Fuller is one of the best options available. He’s still just 30 years old, and he graded 75th among all corners last season according to Pro Football Focus. That would be an immediate upgrade in Baltimore.
Eric Kendricks
If it’s a linebacker the Ravens want, after Roquan Smith’s hamstring injury will knock him out for a few weeks, then Baltimore won’t find a better free agent option than Eric Kendricks. The one-time All-Pro is 33 now but he still graded as the 27th best linebacker per PFF a season ago, holding up particularly well in run defense. He’d be able to help the Ravens this year too, even if it’s just for a short stint in the starting lineup.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
The Ravens already have a lot invested in their pair of first-round safeties, but Chauncey Gardner-Johnson can play multiple roles, including helping at cornerback too. Either way, the ballhawk who intercepted six passes a season ago can help a team that’s only picked off one ball so far.
Related: NFL Defense Rankings 2025: Evaluating all 32 Defenses after Week 4
Blockbuster Trade for Jeffery Simmons
If the Ravens want to target a blockbuster move that could help them for years to come, then what about swinging for the fences with a Jeffery Simmons trade? He hasn’t played in the postseason since 2021, and the 0-4 Titans are on track to miss the playoffs again.
Surely the 28-year-old would be open to finding a better long-term competitive fit, and the Ravens may be the team willing to make Tennessee an offer too good to refuse. After all, it won’t take a small offer to pry away a three-time Pro Bowler who’s signed through 2027. After seeing him record at least five sacks in each of the past four seasons, Simmons is worth giving up premium picks for.
