The Baltimore Ravens have addressed their quarterback emergency by acquiring Jacoby Brissett. But bringing in a veteran passer will mean very little if opposing defenses can reach him before he has time to throw. Baltimore's offensive line has been ravaged by injuries, too, particularly at center. If general manager Eric DeCosta wants to give Brissett a realistic chance to keep the season alive, he must acquire veteran center Lloyd Cushenberry III from the Buffalo Bills.
Season unraveling
The trajectory of Baltimore's 2026 campaign has been defined by devastating personnel collapses. After opening with a 3-1 surge fueled by Lamar Jackson's dynamic play and Derrick Henry's historic scoring pace, the Ravens began losing critical pieces along the offensive line. Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic suffered long-term injurie. Danny Pinter had already been lost for the season. Baltimore subsequently traded for Cam Jurgens. However, concussion concerns created another complication. The consequences were obvious in their humiliating 33-10 defeat to Jacksonville. With third-string quarterback Joe Fagnano under center, the Ravens managed just 60 passing yards, threw two interceptions, and lost a fumble. Henry continued battling for every yard. Even his physical running, though, could not overcome the constant penetration and disrupted timing. Baltimore fell to 4-5, extending its losing streak to four games and leaving its playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Pocket stability
Brissett gives Baltimore an experienced quarterback. However, he does not possess Jackson's extraordinary escapability or ability to turn broken plays into explosive gains. Brissett is a rhythm-based distributor. He needs a reasonably clean pocket to establish his throwing platform and deliver intermediate passes to Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews.
That makes the interior offensive line particularly important. When defensive tackles penetrate the A-gaps or linebackers attack through the middle, a traditional pocket passer has very little room to maneuver. Brissett can handle pressure and has extensive experience operating behind imperfect protection. That said, expecting him to consistently manufacture offense while defenders arrive immediately after the snap is unfair. Baltimore needs stronger protection calls and a more dependable anchor in the middle.
The Ravens have already invested in Jurgens, acquiring him from Philadelphia in October to address their center crisis. That was an important move, but it does not eliminate the need for insurance. DeCosta must make sure the offense has a dependable alternative rather than relying on another emergency reshuffle.
Acquiring Lloyd Cushenberry
The most sensible target is Cushenberry, although Baltimore would need to negotiate with Buffalo. The Bills signed the veteran center to a one-year contract in March. Cushenberry has since returned to the field. He provides valuable insurance behind Buffalo's starting interior offensive line.
At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Cushenberry brings the size and experience Baltimore needs. He has started 80 games during his NFL career. Those include 23 appearances in the middle of Tennessee's offensive line over the previous two seasons. His experience in different protection schemes would be valuable for the Ravens' offense. He is not an elite, guaranteed solution, but he offers a far more established option than another emergency conversion from guard to center.
The proposed deal should be straightforward. Baltimore offers Buffalo a conditional 2027 sixth-round selection that could become a fifth-rounder if Cushenberry reaches playing-time or postseason benchmarks. For the Bills, moving a veteran backup on a one-year contract could generate future draft value. It could also create an opportunity for another reserve.
Cushenberry's arrival would also give offensive coordinator Declan Doyle greater flexibility. He could compete for snaps, provide experienced depth, and help stabilize protection communication. If Jurgens is healthy enough to return, Baltimore would have options rather than forcing one player to shoulder the entire burden.
Protection gamble
The Brissett trade was a necessary response to Jackson's injury. The next move must address the weakness that threatens to undermine that acquisition. Baltimore cannot expect its veteran quarterback to revive the passing game if the interior line continues surrendering immediate pressure.
Cushenberry is not a blockbuster addition. He will not magically repair every problem on the roster. But he represents a practical, affordable opportunity to strengthen a position that has become an emergency. The Ravens have already spent valuable draft capital on Jurgens. Adding another experienced center would protect that investment while giving Brissett a better chance to succeed. If Baltimore wants to remain relevant in the AFC race until Jackson can return, DeCosta must make sure the quarterback has enough time to operate. The next trade should start in the trenches.