An intriguing defender from an AFC North rival could be acquired by the Baltimore Ravens.

The Baltimore Ravens have spent the 2025 offseason sharpening a roster that’s already considered a serious Super Bowl contender. With quarterback Lamar Jackson healthy, the defense mostly intact, and a revamped wide receiver room led by Zay Flowers and newly signed Mike Evans, Baltimore appears poised to compete for the AFC crown. But in a surprising twist, rumors are swirling that the Ravens could look intra-division for a defensive addition—possibly targeting an impactful defender from one of their fiercest AFC North rivals.

A move like this would be rare—and risky. But if the player is right and the price is negotiable, general manager Eric DeCosta may be prepared to make an unconventional decision. Let’s break down the speculation, the potential targets, and what a bold move like this would mean for the Ravens.

According to multiple league insiders, the Ravens have quietly inquired about Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The 24-year-old linebacker is coming off his best professional season, displaying elite range, improved tackling, and surprising pass-rushing juice.

Owusu-Koramoah was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by Cleveland and has grown into one of the Browns’ most versatile defenders. However, Cleveland’s cap situation—compounded by massive contracts for players like Deshaun Watson, Amari Cooper, and Myles Garrett—has led to murmurs that they could offload valuable assets heading into 2025.

The Ravens, always on the lookout for intelligent, position-flexible defenders, may see this as an opportunity to swoop in and add another chess piece to Mike Macdonald’s already dynamic defense.

Owusu-Koramoah plays with the type of instinct and sideline-to-sideline speed that defines Baltimore’s identity. With Roquan Smith anchoring the middle and Kyle Hamilton operating as a hybrid safety/linebacker, a player like JOK (as he’s known) would only enhance the complexity and creativity of the defense.

What stands out beyond the stats is his ability to disguise blitzes, cover tight ends, and change direction on a dime. He’s a prototypical “modern linebacker,” built for today’s NFL where covering space is more valuable than taking on blocks.

For Baltimore, he could slot into multiple roles:

• Nickel linebacker on passing downs
• Strong-side backer in 4-3 packages
• Rotational pass-rusher
• Emergency strong safety if injuries strike

With Patrick Queen gone to free agency and Trenton Simpson still finding his groove, JOK could bring immediate polish and experience to a still-young linebacker corps.

The elephant in the room: trades between division rivals almost never happen. And when they do, they usually involve fringe players—not rising stars.

Still, the NFL is changing. The Browns may prioritize future draft capital and financial flexibility over maintaining JOK long-term, especially since they’ll soon have to choose between extending him or letting him walk in free agency.

For the Ravens, the opportunity to weaken a rival while strengthening their own core is tantalizing. This is a team that understands windows of opportunity—and how short they can be. If they can grab an ascending 25-year-old linebacker for a second or third-round pick, it’s a conversation worth having.

Owusu-Koramoah is still on his rookie contract, which makes him even more attractive. He’s set to make $2.1 million in base salary this season and will be a free agent in 2026 unless extended or tagged.

That aligns perfectly with Baltimore’s cap situation. The Ravens are tight on space after giving large deals to Jackson, Smith, and Mark Andrews, but a low-cost, high-impact player like JOK gives them another year of elite production before needing to address a long-term deal.

The front office has also shown a willingness to extend players midseason if they prove their value (see: Roquan Smith in 2022). If JOK performs in Baltimore’s system, there’s no doubt the Ravens would work toward an extension.

Baltimore’s defense already ranked in the top five in most categories in 2024:

Still, the Ravens faltered in the AFC Championship Game against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Kansas City was able to exploit matchups underneath and neutralize Baltimore’s pass rush with quick throws.

Adding Owusu-Koramoah to the mix could change that calculus. He gives them another weapon to:

• Spy quarterbacks like Mahomes and Josh Allen
• Shadow tight ends like Travis Kelce
• Blitz off the edge or through A-gaps
• Drop into coverage without tipping the play

Essentially, JOK makes life hell for offensive coordinators trying to predict where the pressure will come from.

The Browns’ front office has stayed tight-lipped, but sources say there’s “an openness” to creative trade offers. Cleveland is facing mounting pressure to win now, yet their cap sheet is growing inflexible. Letting a player walk in 2026 for a compensatory pick may seem shortsighted when they could instead land an earlier-round draft selection or a developmental player at a premium position.

Cleveland also spent a 2024 third-round pick on linebacker Payton Wilson out of NC State—a potential sign that they’re preparing for the post-JOK era. Wilson had an impressive preseason and is viewed as a future starter.

If Baltimore sweetens the deal with a player and a Day 2 pick, Cleveland could bite—especially if Owusu-Koramoah hasn’t received any indication of an extension.

If a deal for JOK doesn’t materialize, other names from AFC North teams could be on the Ravens’ radar. Here are three others who might intrigue DeCosta and Harbaugh:

Wallace is a seasoned veteran who could provide secondary depth after the departure of Ronald Darby. With Pittsburgh rebuilding its cornerback room, Wallace could be available at a low cost.

An outside shot, but if Cincinnati hits financial roadblocks, Wilson could become expendable. He’s a hard-hitting, instinctual linebacker who’d fit nicely alongside Roquan Smith.

A lesser-known player with upside. Wright has flashed in limited action and could be a developmental edge option for Baltimore’s rotation.

If DeCosta does swing a trade for Owusu-Koramoah—or any defender from an AFC North rival—it would mark a continuation of the Ravens’ evolving philosophy. No longer content with sitting on draft picks and playing the long game, this team has adopted a more aggressive, win-now mentality.

That shift began with the Roquan Smith trade in 2022, and it gained steam with the midseason additions of Jadeveon Clowney, Kyle Van Noy, and others during 2023–24. Baltimore understands the brutal reality of competing in an AFC loaded with Mahomes, Allen, Burrow, Herbert, and now Caleb Williams.

The only way to survive is to stockpile elite talent—and Owusu-Koramoah might just be the next gem.

It’s not often that a contending team looks to a bitter rival for reinforcements. But in a league driven by matchups, cap constraints, and ruthless efficiency, sometimes the best move is also the most uncomfortable one.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is a proven playmaker with the versatility and intelligence to thrive in Baltimore’s system. He would instantly elevate the linebacker corps and give Mike Macdonald more options than most defensive coordinators can dream of.

If Cleveland is truly open for business, and the Ravens can make the numbers work, this might be the time to make history—and make their rivals regret ever picking up the phone.

• Ravens receive: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
• Browns receive: 2026 2nd-round pick, EDGE David Ojabo

DL: Justin Madubuike – Michael Pierce – Broderick Washington
EDGE: Odafe Oweh – Kyle Van Noy
LB: Roquan Smith – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
NB: Arthur Maulet
CB: Marlon Humphrey – Brandon Stephens
S: Kyle Hamilton – Marcus Williams