Unlike their contemporaries in other sports leagues, NFL teams rarely sell off their experience, sometimes depreciating assets when the season goes south. That makes the trade deadline — which arrives Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. ET — a rather dull affair most years.

However, 2016 could present a different outcome. Not only have the 0-7 Cleveland Browns dangled aging stalwarts Joe Thomas and Joe Haden behind the scenes (and subsequently forced Hue Jackson to grit his teeth and deny what league insiders have known for some time), but squads like the san Francisco 49ers have also leaked their desires to part with Torrey Smith and his burdensome contract as well as other veterans should the right offer arise. With no clear hierarchy in either conference, the number of interested trade partners at the deadline could number double digits.

At present, the Baltimore Ravens don’t quite fit in either the buyer or seller category. They currently reside in second place in the AFC North just a game and a half out of a wild-card position. At the same time, the team has lost four straight with a highly unforgiving remaining schedule.

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With the deadline less than week away, the Ravens don’t have the benefit of waiting another week or two to determine whether they can compete for a playoff berth. If they want to sell off depreciating assets for draft picks, they must pursue those opportunities immediately.

Should general manager Ozzie Newsome ultimately choose that route, which players could end up on a red eye out of town? The Ravens have few obvious trade candidates, the ones they possess could net a decent return.

Steve Smith Sr.

Few NFL have ever matched Steve Smith’s competitive fire or longevity. Even at age 37, he remains a viable wide receiver with 27 catches, 310 yards and a touchdown on the year so far. And as his first game against his former team demonstrated, Smith also possesses the ability to go nuclear on any opponent he surmises has done him wrong

However, the 2016 season marks the end of the line for Smith, who doesn’t appear likely to renege on his retirement promise a second time. If the Ravens determine that they have no longer have anything to play for this year, it makes sense for both parties to send the veteran wideout to a contender where he can potentially go out on a high note. Trading Smith away would also open up more opportunities for Baltimore’s cadre of young pass catchers to hone their craft in real games.

Lawrence Guy

Of their Ravens starting defensive line, Lawrence Guy receives the least attention from the media and fans. A former seventh-round pick who spent time with three different teams before landing in Baltimore, Guy has steadily improved over the past few seasons to become a capable starter. While Newsome normally retains such players, he also wants to re-sign fellow defensive linemen Brandon Williams this offseason and Timmy Jernigan soon thereafter. With those potential deals projected to eat up plenty of cap space, the Ravens might not have the resources to pay Guy as well.

Just a year removed from 4 1/2 sacks, Guy could command the attention a few playoff contenders looking to strengthen their defensive front. His size — 6-foot-5 frame, 300 pounds — makes him a scheme-versatile player as well. Just as importantly, Guy has a negligible dead-money hit if traded.

Eric Weddle

The Ravens paid a premium for Eric Weddle under the assumption that he could help repair a secondary torn apart by injuries over the past few years. He has done that to some degree, providing a stabilizing presence and playing 436 snaps thus far. Though he doesn’t appear likely to reclaim his All-Pro form, he seems to have a few years left in the tank.

With safety ranking as perhaps the least deep defensive position across the league, another team could jump at the opportunity to bring in a smart, passionate veteran into their locker room. His contract severely limits the cap benefit of a swap from Baltimore’s perspective — a trade would accelerate $7 million of dead money into this year’s books, requiring a corresponding move to prevent the team from going over the cap — but the draft compensation could make the trouble worthwhile.

Jason B. Hirschhorn
Jason B. Hirschhorn

Jason B. Hirschhorn is an award-winning sports journalist and Pro Football Writers of America member. He has bylines at NFL.com, SB Nation, Sports Illustrated, and other outlets.

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