The Baltimore Ravens should trade for DL Jarran Reed

With a defense that has some big holes to fill, the Baltimore Ravens should make a very inexpensive trade for Jarran Reed to fill one of those needs.

With the departure of Brent Urban, the Baltimore Ravens have a need at their 3-4 defensive end position. While they may already have guys like Chris Wormley, Zach Seiler, Willie Henry and Gerald Willis II in house, they need a bit more juice.

None of those names are particularly exciting, which is where an idea for a possible trade comes in. As an added bonus, this could be a pretty cheap option for them as well

So with that in mind, in this particular “they should” scenario, I have the Baltimore Ravens shipping a few picks away for Seahawks blossoming defensive tackle, Jarran Reed. I assume this is where most people have either clicked away or uttered some sort of expletive-laden sentence at their phone.

But give me a chance Ravens fans, because this may not be as controversial as you think. Let’s break it down.

Last season, Reed broke out with 10.5 sacks, 50 tackles, and 12 TFLs. He showed the burst and technique that made him such a valued player during the 2016 NFL Draft. In Ken Norton‘s system, Reed thrived and looks to be a nice piece along the Seahawks new look defensive with LJ Collier, Poona Ford, and Ziggy Ansah.

While Reed has shown us what he can do, I believe his best football is still ahead of him. And what better way to fully bring that out in him than to pair him with one of the better d-line coaches in the NFL?

Who am I talking about you may ask? The man I am speaking of is that of Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Joe Cullen. Since joining the Ravens staff in 2016, Cullen has made Brandon Williams into a Pro-Bowler and Michael Pierce into one of the better nose tackles in football.

Under Cullen’s tutelage, Reed could hit a new level in his game. This would be beneficial to a group that could use a pass rushing jolt to it. While Pierce and Williams are pure run-stuffers, Reed brings a great pass rush threat that they’ve missed for some time.

With the departure of Za’Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs, the Ravens could use pass rush help in any wet they can receive it.

Now in terms of compensation, this is where things may get tricky. Most fans, including yours truly, do not wish for the Ravens to depart with another set of high draft picks. And while they could potentially have to give at least a 3rd rounder, I don’t see it happening.

In order to nab Reed, Baltimore could throw Seattle a fourth or fifth rounder with the addition of a player. That could include anyone from Tyus Bowser, Alex Lewis, or one of the Ravens’ many corners. It would need to be something that benefits both teams as, like I mentioned, Reed is coming off of a huge year.

Naturally, I must clarify that this is mostly speculation. However, I feel confident in saying that this could prove to be a beneficial trade for a team trying to reach the postseason again.