The Cincinnati Bengals made a trade Tuesday to try and preserve their playoff hopes. They acquired QB Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns.
And in the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens might want to take a page out of their rival's playbook.
There's a lot more public uncertainty about Lamar Jackson's hamstring injury than the multi-month timeline that is known for Joe Burrow in Cincy. So maybe this isn't as big a deal, if Jackson will be back soon.
But the Ravens are 1-4. And if Jackson is going to miss more time, Baltimore could be in trouble.
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The reality is that even just sneaking into the playoffs, with by that point a healthy Jackson, gives the Ravens a shot. A seeding doesn't matter as much as long as Jackson is on the field.
So in the meantime, Baltimore has to figure out its best approach.
Cooper Rush didn't look ready to win football games for the Ravens with his Week 5 performance.
Baltimore could turn to Tyler Huntley, who has started games for the Ravens in the past.
Or they, too, could turn to the trade market. A guy like Giants QB3 Jameis Winston could be the perfect fit.
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The timeline is important here, because if Jackson doesn't have much more time to miss, a quarterback trade may prove fruitless.
But if Jackson's hamstring is something that the Ravens are concerned could still result in a longer absence, then there isn't any deal that could be scoffed at.
Baltimore can't waste a year with Lamar and Derrick Henry. Even if a trade improves the chances of making the playoffs by just 5%, that's worth it for a small draft pick price.
Because a team with Lamar Jackson in the playoffs, just like a team with Joe Burrow in the playoffs, can make a lot of noise. Right now, it's all about making the best possible moves to get there.
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