What Could Happen at NFL's Trade Deadline?

Although trade rumors about the alleged serial sexual assaulter/Texans quarterback continue to swirl, the reality of Watson’s situation is that he won’t be traded until there’s more clarity about the ongoing criminal investigation about him; it's still a mystery when the findings of the investigation will be announced, but it's almost definitely not going to happen by next Tuesday.

Beyond the moral reprehensibility of trading for a player who has been accused of sexual assault by over 20 women, no team would be willing to meet the Texans’ asking price of multiple first-round picks without the reassurance that Watson would be able to play soon, which seems unlikely. More, Watson has a no-trade clause in his contract and seems intent on forcing his way to the Miami Dolphins, further cooling the trade market. 

In addition to already making a litany of moves in free agency this season to replace their raft of injured players, the Ravens have a reputation as one of the most-willing traders across the NFL, especially at the trade deadline. In fact, the Ravens have traded for a player at the season's midway point for the past three seasons (RB TY Montgomery in '18, CB Marcus Peters in '19, and pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue last season).

Despite racking up a 5-2 record to start the year, their roster has glaring holes at multiple positions that need to be addressed for the team. Namely, the Ravens could benefit from acquiring a running back, cornerback, and an offensive lineman. Accordingly, it seems extremely likely the Ravens will make a trade; the question is who they’ll actually trade for. As of now, it seems most likely that Baltimore will add a running back, if only because productive veterans like Marlon Mack and Ronald Jones should be available for cheap.