ravens secure jacoby brissett in trade on november 6 2026
The Baltimore Ravens officially completed a trade for veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals on Friday, November 6, 2026, aiming to stabilize their rapidly deteriorating quarterback situation.
This urgent move comes as starting quarterback Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley are both sidelined with injuries, leaving undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano as the only healthy option. The Ravens sent a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick to the Cardinals in exchange for Brissett and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.
Ravens’ Dire Quarterback Situation Spurs Trade
This critical acquisition injects much-needed experience into a Baltimore offense that has struggled significantly, losing its last four games and being held under 14 points in four consecutive matchups for the first time in franchise history.
Brissett is immediately slated to start for the Ravens in their upcoming Week 10 clash against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, a quick turnaround for the 11-year NFL veteran.
Baltimore’s season has taken a sharp downturn due to a series of devastating injuries under center. Franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson was recently placed on Injured Reserve after suffering a thumb injury, effectively ending his current run of play. Just weeks before, backup Tyler Huntley sustained a season-ending turf toe injury, further depleting the team’s depth at the most crucial position.
The severity of these setbacks became starkly apparent when undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano was forced to start in the Ravens’ Week 9 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team suffered a decisive 33-10 loss on Thursday night, November 5, 2026. This defeat pushed the Ravens’ record to 4-5, highlighting the urgent need for a seasoned signal-caller.
Ravens running back Derrick Henry expressed the team’s sentiment, stating, “We need all hands on deck. I feel like [Brissett] can come in and help us. We’ll be excited to have him, and we’ll see where it goes.” This sentiment underscores the immediate impact the team expects from their new acquisition. You can read more about how a jaguars point differential is impacting AFC standings.
Arizona Cardinals’ Strategic Rationale for Brissett Deal
For the Arizona Cardinals, the decision to trade Jacoby Brissett aligns with their broader strategic objectives, including recent trade deadline activity. Brissett, 33, found himself demoted to third-string quarterback after being benched by head coach Mike LaFleur in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.
LaFleur then named Gardner Minshew II as the starter, with rookie Carson Beck stepping in as the primary backup, making Brissett expendable.
Reports indicate that Brissett himself requested a trade following his demotion. This move allows the Cardinals to shed a veteran contract while acquiring additional draft capital, which is crucial for their ongoing rebuilding efforts. They previously secured a second-round pick by trading star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., demonstrating a clear commitment to accumulating future assets.
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur commented on the decision to bench Brissett, saying, “I just try to do what I think is best, in that moment. It’s like I tell these guys; we’re making a decision for what we think is best for the organization and for the team. Doesn’t mean we’re going to be right.”
Financial Nuances of the Jacoby Brissett Ravens Trade
The financial terms of the deal reveal the Cardinals’ willingness to sweeten the pot for Baltimore. To facilitate the trade, Arizona agreed to pay approximately half of Brissett’s remaining 2026 salary. This was achieved by restructuring Brissett’s contract, converting about half of his remaining $5.4 million salary into a signing bonus, which the Cardinals absorb.
Consequently, the Ravens will owe Brissett a base salary of $2.43 million for the remainder of the season. His contract also includes performance incentives, specifically $285,000 for each regular-season win in which he plays at least 50% of offensive snaps, capped at 10 games. These incentives will carry over to the Ravens, offering an additional layer of motivation for the experienced quarterback.
Brissett’s Extensive NFL Journey and Immediate Outlook
Jacoby Brissett is an 11-year NFL veteran with a storied career spanning seven different teams, making 73 career starts. Before his benching in Week 8, he started the Cardinals’ first eight games of the 2026 season.
In 20 starts for the Cardinals, which began after taking over for Kyler Murray in 2025, Brissett compiled a 4-16 record, throwing for 5,085 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. In 2026, he recorded 10 touchdown passes and seven interceptions across an eight-game stretch, with the Cardinals holding a 3-5 record under his leadership.
For a look at other recent quarterback changes, see this article about Landon Dickerson unaware of Eagles quarterback change.
Brissett was on pace to throw for over 3,600 yards in 2026 before his demotion. Over his last 20 games, starting from Week 6 of 2025, he ranked highly in several statistical categories, including first in dropbacks, completions, and attempts, and fifth in passing yards.
He was sacked 62 times during this period, indicating the pressure he often faced behind center. His reunion with Ravens quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork, who previously coached Brissett with the Cardinals in 2025 and the Cleveland Browns in 2022, should provide a familiar and supportive environment.
What Brissett Brings to Baltimore’s Offense
The acquisition of Jacoby Brissett gives the Baltimore Ravens an immediate starter with a deep understanding of NFL offenses. His experience navigating various schemes and locker rooms across his career will be invaluable for a team reeling from unexpected quarterback absences.
While he may not possess the electrifying playmaking ability of Lamar Jackson, Brissett’s reliable pocket presence and veteran leadership could provide the steady hand the Ravens desperately need to salvage their season.
Ravens veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley acknowledged the value of the trade, noting, “He’s going to bring his experience and all the time he’s spent through the league. I think that’ll bode well for us.” The move also allows the Ravens to avoid rushing either Jackson or Huntley back prematurely, ensuring their long-term health.
The Cardinals’ willingness to absorb a portion of his salary also makes the deal more financially palatable for Baltimore.
Brissett’s immediate challenge will be integrating into a new offense on short notice, especially with a critical Monday Night Football game looming against a formidable Chargers defense. However, his prior working relationship with Coach Woolfork should help accelerate his transition.
This trade signals the Ravens’ commitment to competing despite adversity, betting on veteran stability to turn their season around. This is one of many recent player movements, including when the Chennai Super Kings acquire Liam Livingstone in a different sport.