Ravens’ Starter Highlighted as Attractive Trade Target for 49ers and Saints.
The Baltimore Ravens may contact starters to trim salaries and modify their roster for 2024. Ravens offensive tackle Morgan
Moses is a desirable target for clubs seeking quality starters or depth players at this position.
According to Kris Knox of Bleacher Report, the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers are potential trade partners for the veteran lineman.
Both the Saints and the 49ers struggled with pass protection and might benefit from adding a veteran lineman to anchor the line.
During his second season with the Ravens, the lineman has made 17 starts (2022) and 14 starts (2023) at tackle.
Moses spent much of his career as a right tackle for the Washington Commanders and New York Jets. However, he has been a versatile weapon for the Ravens, playing between the left and right while Ronnie Stanley was unavailable.
Moses will be 33 years old when the 2024 season begins, but he has the potential to be a starter right now. He had an 80.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him as the 10th greatest tackler in the NFL.
49ers Need Upgrade at RT Position for 2024
The 49ers suffered a devastating 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. They, like the Ravens, will try to make minor changes to ensure their return for the 2024 season.
Knox believes that improving at the right tackle position will be a primary goal. He went on to say, “San Francisco needs an upgrade at right tackle and could look to move Colton McKivitz as part of that plan.”
Knox goes on to say, “McKivitz has been a liability at right tackle, responsible for two penalties and nine sacks allowed during the regular season, according to Pro Football Focus.”
The 49ers’ offensive line performed well in the Super Bowl, allowing only one sack on quarterback Brock Purdy. However, he was under pressure throughout the game.
“Making a play for Ravens right tackle Morgan Moses, who is entering the final year of his contract, would make plenty of sense,” Knox said.
Trading for Moses Better Protects Saints QB Derek Carr
Derek Carr, the Saints quarterback, took a battering this season and had to leave games due to injuries. This season, he was sacked 31 times (nearly two per game), ranking 15th.
According to Knox, “The Saints need to do a better job of protecting quarterback Derek Carr, though trading for a starting-caliber lineman with virtually no cap space would be extremely difficult.”
OverTheCap reports that the Saints are $83 million above the salary cap, necessitating a series of transactions before adding new players. According to Knox, “New Orleans’ options will be limited to players on budget deals, like Ravens right tackle Morgan Moses.”
Moses being on an expiring contract, and as Knox puts it “modest base salary,” makes the starting tackle a prime target for the Saints.
Ravens Would Look to Get Younger in NFL Draft at Tackle
The question will be if the Ravens believe trading Moses is in their best interests. The Ravens may consider releasing Stanley to save up contract space due to his history of injuries.
Patrick Mekari performed admirably when Stanley or Moses were unavailable, but he remains a raw talent.Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report referred to Moses as a “Top Trade Asset” for the Ravens.
He went on to say, “Morgan Moses has put together a strong season, but the Ravens should be looking to get younger at the position.”
“Teams desperate to upgrade at tackle might be willing to part with a valuable draft pick and the Ravens would clear $5.5 million,” Balletine went on to say. General manager Eric DeCosta could then use one of those picks to select an offensive tackle.
In a mock draft, Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema proposed a trade between the Minnesota Vikings and the Ravens, with Baltimore receiving the No.42 pick and selecting Yale offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie.
If the Ravens can get a comparable or higher choice for Moses, they may be able to delve into this year’s deep tackle class.
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