According to reports, the Baltimore Ravens and the Super Bowl champion are negotiating a possible NFL Draft deal to strengthen their squad.

The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events of the football calendar, a time when teams seek to bolster their rosters with young, fresh talent. In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens have been actively linked to potential trades, and recent reports suggest that they are in discussions with the reigning Super Bowl champions about a possible deal. Such a trade could help both teams strengthen their squads, and the Ravens, with their eyes set on a championship run, are looking to improve their roster in key areas.

As the Ravens are a team with a strong defensive identity and an offense led by one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson, their draft strategy will be crucial in continuing their path toward Super Bowl contention. This potential trade with the Super Bowl champion is an intriguing development that could lead to a significant upgrade for the Ravens.

In this article, we will explore the specifics of the trade rumors, why the Ravens are seeking this move, what the Super Bowl champions may be looking for in return, and how such a trade could impact both teams moving forward.

1. The Ravens’ Current Roster Needs and Draft Strategy

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their strong defense, but over the past few years, the franchise has made a concerted effort to build a more balanced and versatile team, particularly with the dynamic presence of Lamar Jackson leading the offense. With Jackson continuing to evolve as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks, the Ravens have been focused on improving their supporting cast, especially in the receiving corps and defensive secondary.

Offensive Needs

Despite Jackson’s MVP-caliber performances, the Ravens’ offense has faced challenges when it comes to consistently producing in the passing game. The wide receiver position has been a weak point for Baltimore for some time. With veteran receivers like DeSean Jackson and Sammy Watkins no longer in the picture, the team’s passing attack has often relied on Jackson’s improvisational skills and a few key contributors, but has lacked a true No. 1 target on the outside.

To complement Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs, the Ravens need a receiver who can stretch the field, win contested catches, and contribute to the passing game in a way that takes pressure off the running game. Baltimore’s draft strategy will likely center around finding a high-impact wide receiver who can immediately contribute.

Defensive Needs

While the Ravens’ defense remains one of the strongest in the league, with players like Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen, and Marlon Humphrey, there are areas for improvement. The team’s pass rush, though solid, could use additional depth and an elite edge rusher to help generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Furthermore, the secondary could use another reliable cornerback or safety to complement the already established talent in place.

As the Ravens look to make a push for another Super Bowl title, they know that improving their defensive depth will be crucial. With the draft being a primary tool for building a team, the Ravens are aiming to secure players who can contribute immediately, adding talent to both their offense and defense.

2. The Potential Trade: Who Are the Super Bowl Champions?

While reports about a trade between the Ravens and the reigning Super Bowl champions have surfaced, one key question is: which team is the current Super Bowl champion? As of the 2024 season, the Kansas City Chiefs are the reigning Super Bowl champions, having defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in a thrilling 38-35 game. This victory marked the Chiefs’ third Super Bowl title and solidified their dynasty, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes continuing to be a centerpiece of the team’s success.

The Chiefs’ roster is packed with talent, but like every team in the league, they face salary cap constraints and roster decisions that could lead to a potential trade. Kansas City, under head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach, is known for being aggressive in its pursuit of talent, making strategic trades to bolster the roster. The Ravens, too, have shown a willingness to make bold moves, especially when it comes to acquiring players that can impact their immediate championship window.

The Chiefs are expected to continue building around Mahomes, their star quarterback, and the team’s wealth of offensive weapons. However, their defense is an area that could see improvement, especially in terms of depth and production from the secondary and pass rushers. This creates the potential for a trade involving draft picks or players that could improve Kansas City’s defense.

For the Ravens, this could be the perfect opportunity to strike a deal with the Chiefs to strengthen their squad by acquiring a player or multiple players who can make an immediate impact. Given both teams’ Super Bowl aspirations, a trade could be mutually beneficial, providing the Ravens with the depth and talent they need to make another deep postseason run.

3. Why a Trade Could Benefit Both Teams

A trade between the Ravens and the Chiefs would be beneficial for both teams for several reasons. For the Ravens, it provides an opportunity to secure additional talent—whether it’s a proven wide receiver, a defensive player, or both. With their draft pick(s), they could move up in the draft or trade for a player who could provide an immediate upgrade at a position of need.

The Ravens’ Perspective

From the Ravens’ standpoint, the primary motivation for making a trade with the Chiefs would be to upgrade their roster without relying solely on the draft to fill key holes. The team has had success in the draft but also understands that the window for winning a championship with a quarterback like Lamar Jackson is finite. Baltimore has a strong defense, but with Jackson leading the offense, adding another weapon to the receiving corps or securing a difference-maker on defense could make a huge difference in their pursuit of another Super Bowl title.

With Jackson’s contract situation potentially looming in the coming seasons, it’s crucial for the Ravens to build a team that can maximize his potential during the prime years of his career. A trade with the Chiefs could provide the Ravens with a player who can make an immediate impact—whether it’s a star receiver to help Jackson in the passing game or a pass rusher to bolster the defense.

The Chiefs’ Perspective

On the other side, the Chiefs would have their own set of motivations for making a trade. Kansas City’s success has largely been fueled by Patrick Mahomes and the high-flying offense, but the defense has at times been a point of vulnerability. With players like Chris Jones anchoring the defense, the Chiefs are in need of more depth and impact players, particularly in the secondary and at linebacker.

Additionally, the Chiefs could be looking to address cap concerns or restructure their roster in a way that allows them to build a stronger foundation for the future. Trading with a team like the Ravens, who are in a similar position in terms of championship aspirations, would give Kansas City an opportunity to gain draft picks, potentially helping the team address its roster needs in the long term.

Kansas City’s aggressive approach to roster-building means they may be looking for short-term moves to maximize the final years of Mahomes’ current contract. With a well-established offense, the Chiefs may be willing to make trades that focus on enhancing their defense or bringing in depth at key positions. If the Ravens can offer the right package of draft picks or players, Kansas City could be inclined to pull the trigger on a deal.

4. What Could Be Traded? Possible Scenarios

Given the unique positions of both teams, there are several potential trade scenarios that could benefit both the Ravens and the Chiefs. Some possibilities include:

• Ravens Trade Up in the Draft: The Ravens could look to trade with the Chiefs to move up in the draft and select a wide receiver or defensive player that could make an immediate impact. The Chiefs, with their loaded roster and Super Bowl aspirations, might be willing to trade down to acquire additional picks to bolster their roster depth. A trade-up for Baltimore could allow them to land a top-tier wide receiver or edge rusher who could immediately improve their team.
• Veteran Players: Another possibility is that the Ravens could offer a veteran player in exchange for a proven contributor from the Chiefs. For example, a trade involving an established pass rusher or cornerback could help the Ravens address their defensive needs. On the other hand, the Chiefs might look to acquire a player like a reliable veteran wide receiver, or even offensive line depth, to complement their explosive offensive unit.
• Multiple Draft Picks: The Ravens could also offer multiple draft picks in exchange for one of Kansas City’s key players. This would be a trade focused on future value, allowing the Chiefs to address their own roster needs while giving the Ravens the opportunity to fill an immediate void.

5. Impact of the Trade on Both Teams’ Super Bowl Aspirations

For both the Ravens and the Chiefs, making a trade that bolsters their respective rosters could have significant implications for their Super Bowl aspirations. A successful trade could be the difference-maker for both teams as they attempt to navigate through the competitive AFC. The Ravens, with their high-powered offense led by Lamar Jackson and a defense that remains one of the league’s best, are just a few pieces away from making another deep playoff run. A trade could provide them with those crucial pieces.

Similarly, the Chiefs, despite their Super Bowl victory, will continue to face competition from teams like the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and others in the AFC. Adding key players in the draft or through a trade could help them maintain their position as one of the NFL’s elite teams.

In both cases, these trades could prove to be the difference between making a playoff appearance and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy once again.