The Baltimore Ravens opted to let many of their top free agents walk in the 2024 offseason, which could lead to a very enticing haul of compensatory picks that will give Eric DeCosta a ton of flexibility. These picks can either be used on depth pieces or as ammunition in a trade.
The Ravens let so many veterans leave in free agency that both Over the Cap and NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projected that Baltimore would earn four compensatory picks in 2025. The only reason they have our picks is because the NFL’s formula only allows for a maximum of four picks per team every year.
The Ravens might need to use those picks to leverage some extra talent from teams who are willing to jettison players who are either blocked by a veteran or eyeing a championship away from a rebuilding environment. These three players need to be on Baltimore’s radar.
3 trade targets the Baltimore Ravens could acquire with 2025 compensatory picks
3. WR John Metchie III, Houston Texans
Houston’s titanic addition of Stefon Diggs and the flier on Ben Skowronek added to one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the league. Nico Collins and Tank Dell showed great chemistry with CJ Stroud last season, Noah Brown was brought back, and Robert Woods is still hanging around.
Metchie, who has worked his way back after a leukemia diagnosis, recorded 16 catches for 158 yards last season. While he hasn’t been the most productive player, the Texans may shop him to contenders like Baltimore who believe their offense will be the secret ingredient that unlocks his potential.
John Metchie could be a target for the Baltimore Ravens
Metchie would likely need to beat out Nelson Agholor and fourth-round rookie Devontez Walker to earn playing time, but it’s not unreasonable to assume that a Top 50 pick with a history of being a productive deep threat for a program like Alabama could eventually win out when put head-to-head against those two.
Metchie is a victim of circumstance, as injuries will be the only way he sees the field in Houston. Some team will be able to turn his speed into a weapon, and Baltimore could use Lamar Jackson’s arm to get the most out of his impressive physical tools.
2. EDGE Matt Judon, New England Patriots
While Judon has told anyone who will listen that he is happy with the Patriots and would like to finish his career in New England, Eric DeCosta might need to check back in on his resolve if New England continues to lose in what will likely be a major rebuild for Jerod Mayo.
Judon is still a very effective pass rusher despite his injuries, as he recorded 32 sacks in his 38 games with the Patriots. While Odafe Oweh did get his option picked up, and Adisa Isaac is in town, bringing Judon to town might be the short-term boost this team could use upfront.
Matt Judon could be a trade target for the Baltimore Ravens
Oweh is still not a high-end starter on the edge, David Ojabo has been hurt so much that he is a major question mark, and Isaac is an unproven rookie. Kyle Van Noy is a solid player, but having him as the team’s premier pass rusher could be a big risk for any contender.
Judon is an injury risk, but that might help knock his value down a peg. New England will likely be spinning their tires for the next few years, and Judon might be better off linking back up with his old team in Baltimore than withering away with the Patriots.
1. DT Jonathan Allen, Washington Commanders
The Commanders are still very much in rebuild mode, and it seems like Allen could be one defensive piece that doesn’t end up as a long-term piece in Dan Quinn’s defense. Da’Ron Payne is still in town, and Washington may have added a possible Allen successor in second-round pick Johnny Newton. (despite his injury).
Allen, who made Pro Bowls in 2021 and 2022, has amassed 180 tackles and 22 sacks in the last three seasons. While Justin Madubuike is fresh off one of the best seasons any defensive tackle in Ravens history has ever had, he could use more support around him.
Jonathan Allen could be worth watching for the Baltimore Ravens.
With Michael Pierce and free agent signing Brent Urban both getting long in the tooth and showing minimal pass-rush upside, the Ravens will likely be asking Travis Jones to finally break out after years of average rotational lineman play. Allen, who is sick of losing in Washington, could be all-in on winning with the Ravens.
Allen is not going to change the face of this Baltimore defense, but everything about his profile suggests he is at the tail end of his prime and can still be a high-end two-way tackle next to Madubuike for two or three more seasons. If Washington starts losing, Allen could be back on the trade market.
