Packers could link up with Ravens for blockbuster trade involving $13 million defender
Context:
The Baltimore Ravens have had a strategic offseason, enhancing their already strong roster without making drastic financial moves due to limited cap space. Key acquisitions include veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, and re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley, while the draft brought in talents like safety Malaki Starks and edge-rusher Mike Green. Amidst these enhancements, the Ravens might still pursue trade options, particularly considering the Green Bay Packers' recent decision to decline Quay Walker's fifth-year option. Walker, a proven tackler with some coverage weaknesses, could potentially fill the gap left by Malik Harrison's departure, competing for a starting position alongside Roquan Smith. His affordable cap hit makes him a viable candidate for the Ravens, providing depth and potential long-term investment if he performs well.
Dive Deeper:
The Ravens' offseason strategy focused on maintaining and slightly bolstering their strong roster with smart acquisitions, including DeAndre Hopkins and Chidobe Awuzie, while also re-signing key players like Ronnie Stanley, despite having limited cap space.
Their draft selections, notably safety Malaki Starks and edge-rusher Mike Green, are expected to significantly contribute to the team's competitiveness, enhancing their already formidable lineup.
The potential trade for Quay Walker from the Packers arises from the Ravens' need to strengthen their linebacker unit after losing Malik Harrison to the Steelers, with Walker offering a cost-effective solution.
Walker has demonstrated consistent tackling ability in the NFL, achieving over 100 tackles in each of his three seasons, although his pass coverage skills are relatively weak, evidenced by a low Pro Football Focus coverage grade.
In Baltimore, Walker would likely compete with Trenton Simpson for a starting role, offering better run defense and pass-rushing capabilities, which could be a strategic upgrade for the Ravens' defense.
His current contract, with a cap hit of just over $4 million for 2025, aligns with the Ravens' financial constraints, potentially allowing them to re-sign him if he meets performance expectations.
The Ravens, while making calculated roster enhancements, remain open to further strategic moves that could solidify their defense, ensuring their talented offense is not undermined by defensive shortcomings.
The Baltimore Ravens have had a quiet but efficient offseason.
Already owning one of the more talented rosters in the league, the team didn't have to make any bold moves. That's a good thing, considering the team didn't enter the offseason with much cap space to work with.
Reliable veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was added, as was cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. Joe Noteboom was also brought in to add depth on the offensive line, but the biggest move was re-signing star left tackle Ronnie Stanley.
As the Ravens typically do, they also added some quality talent in the draft. Safety Malaki Starks and edge-rusher Mike Green highlight the team's 11 selections and should make this roster even more ready to contend.
However, it's possible the team has another move or two up its sleeve before the season begins.
The Green Bay Packers recently declined their fifth-year option on linebacker Quay Walker. As a result, the Packers could be open to dealing the talented off-ball linebacker.
Anthony Palacios of LWOS recently identified the Ravens as a logical trade partner for Walker if the team decides to make a move. Palacios offered the following regarding this potential move:
It’s hard to imagine Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy will carry this linebacker unit single-handedly, as they lost one crucial free agent, Malik Harrison, to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens don’t have a lot of spending money to get the best available possible trade candidate, but Walker might fit into what this defense is looking for. Baltimore has one of the most talented offenses and can’t let it go to waste since they’ve been reluctant to improve their defense. Walker might not do much, but he’s a capable upgrade over Simpson and Tavius Robinson.
As Palacios mentioned, the team did lose reliable inside linebacker Malik Harrison to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, so some depth could be added.
Walker has been a tackling machine in the NFL, collecting 100-plus tackles in each of his three NFL seasons. The Georgia product had 102 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks for the Packers in 2024.
While Walker is a solid run defender and sure tackler, the linebacker struggles in pass coverage. Pro Football Focus gave Walker just a 48.8 coverage grade in 2024, which ranked 137th out of 189 qualified linebackers.
However, the defender made up for his lack of coverage skills with above-average pass-rush and run-defense grades.
In Baltimore, Walker could battle Trenton Simpson for a starting inside linebacker spot next to Roquan Smith. Simpson also struggled in pass coverage last year, but Walker was better in run defense and as a pass-rusher.
Walker is set to play out his rookie deal in 2025 and will carry a cap hit of just over $4 million. This number would be doable for the Ravens, and the team could get first dibs on re-signing the defender if he impresses.
MORE BALTIMORE RAVENS NEWS
Zay Flowers injury update offers details on wide receiver's status for 2025