Ravens starter highlighted as an attractive trade target for the 49ers and Saints
The Baltimore Ravens may receive a few phone calls on starters as they attempt to reduce money and make roster modifications for 2024. Offensive lineman is an important position for clubs seeking for strong starters or depth players, making Ravens OL Morgan Moses an appealing target.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kris Knox, the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers may be interested in the veteran tackle as a top trade target.
Both the Saints and the 49ers struggled with pass protection and might benefit from adding a veteran lineman to stabilize the line.
The lineman completed his second season with the Ravens, making 17 starts (2022) and 14 starts (2023) at tackle.
Moses has spent the most of his career playing right tackle with the Washington Commanders and the New York Jets. However, he has shown to be a flexible weapon for the Ravens, rotating between left and right when Ronnie Stanley is unavailable.
Moses will be 33 years old when the 2024 season begins, but he has the potential to be a starter right now. According to Pro Football Focus, he had an 80.4 grade, ranking him tenth among all NFL tackles.
49ers Need to Upgrade at RT Position for 2024.
The 49ers are coming off a heartbreaking season-ending 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 feels 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 went on to add, “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 line held up well throughout the Super Bowl, allowing only one sack on quarterback Brock Purdy, although he seemed to be under pressure for much of 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 Morgan Moses might better protect Saints quarterback Derek Carr.
Derek Carr, the Saints quarterback, took a battering this season and had to leave games due to injuries. He was sacked 31 times this season (nearly two per game), ranking 15th.
Knox added, “The Saints need to do a better job of protecting quarterback Derek Carr, by dealing for a starting-caliber
According to OverTheCap, the Saints are $83 million above the limit, so they will need to make a number of changes before focusing on adding players. According to Knox, “New Orleans’ options will be limited to players on budget deals, like Ravens right tackle Morgan Moses.”
Moses is on an expiring contract with a “modest base salary,” according to Knox, making the starting tackle a top target for the Saints.
Ravens would look to go younger in the NFL draft at tackle.
The question will be if the Ravens feel dealing Moses is in their best interests. Stanley has had injury issues in the past, and the Ravens may want to release him to clear contract space.
Patrick Mekari performed excellently while Stanley and Moses were missing, but he remains a raw talent. However, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report referred to Moses as the Ravens’ “Top Trade Asset”.
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,” Ballentine went on to say. General manager Eric DeCosta could then use one of those selections to select an offensive tackle.
In a mock draft, Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema envisioned a trade between the Minnesota Vikings and the Ravens, with Baltimore receiving the No. 42 selection.
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.
