Ravens Launch QB Trade Pursuit After Jackson's Season-Ending Thumb Injury

Key points

• Lamar Jackson suffered a right thumb injury on the first play of the game against Buffalo and is headed to injured reserve for surgery, potentially ending his season.
• Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley left the game with a toe injury, while undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who debuted in the loss, is questionable due to a foot/ankle issue.
• The Ravens have begun trade discussions with the Chicago Bears for backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, though Chicago is reluctant to part with him.
• Other potential trade targets include Arizona Cardinals’ Jacoby Brissett and Denver Broncos’ Sam Ehlinger, both of whom fit the Ravens’ offensive scheme.
• The Ravens must resolve their quarterback situation before their Thursday night game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with GM Eric DeCosta under pressure to act quickly.

Background

The Ravens have faced significant offensive line and quarterback instability this season. Earlier in 2026, they traded a second-round pick for center Cam Jurgens to address attrition at the center position, a move that drew mixed reviews. Jackson also missed three games in October due to an ankle injury sustained against the Tennessee Titans. The team’s recent struggles, including a 36-10 loss to Buffalo, have intensified concerns about their ability to compete without their star quarterback.

How outlets are covering it

Baltimore Ravens On SI emphasizes the desperation of the situation, noting that free agency is unlikely to yield a viable solution in time for Thursday’s game. They highlight the Bears’ reluctance to trade Bagent, citing his value in Ben Johnson’s system, and suggest the Ravens may be in a weak negotiating position after previously trading a second-round pick for a concussed offensive lineman. The official Baltimore Ravens source confirms the medical facts: Jackson will undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve, with Minter acknowledging the injury could be season-ending. WBAL-TV focuses on the immediate fallout, noting the Ravens’ 4-4 record and the urgency of the Thursday night game against the Jaguars, while also questioning whether Huntley’s toe injury will sideline him. ESPN’s source was inaccessible, so no perspective could be extracted from that outlet.

Why it matters

The loss of Lamar Jackson, a perennial MVP candidate, drastically alters the Ravens’ competitive outlook and could impact their 2027 contract negotiations, as Jackson holds significant leverage. The team’s ability to field a viable quarterback for the remainder of the season will determine whether they can salvage their 2026 campaign or face a prolonged rebuilding phase. The trade market’s response to the Ravens’ needs will also signal the depth of the NFL’s quarterback pool and the value of backup options like Bagent and Brissett.

What to watch

The Ravens must finalize a quarterback acquisition or confirm a starter before their Thursday night game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If the trade for Tyson Bagent fails, they may pursue Jacoby Brissett or Sam Ehlinger, or rely on Joe Fagnano if he is cleared to play. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the Ravens’ strategy for the remainder of the 2026 season and their approach to the 2027 offseason.