Cam Jurgens and Jason Kelce Converse during Mini Camp
Ravens Make Major Cam Jurgens Move as Team Reveals Flurry of Roster Changes Ahead of Practice 1
The Baltimore Ravens did not waste much time reshaping their roster after making a major move for the Philadelphia Eagles’ center, Cam Jurgens. The Ravens acquired Jurgens and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Eagles on Wednesday, sending back a 2027 fifth-round selection and a 2028 second-rounder.
Jamison Hensley reported on October 8 that Ravens coordinators and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford were scheduled to speak with reporters before practice. He also provided a recap of the team’s roster moves from Wednesday, which included the Jurgens trade and two changes at tight end and fullback.
Baltimore Ravens Make Room For Cam Jurgens After Multiple Roster Changes
Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens
Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens (51) in action against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Ravens placed tight end Durham Smythe on injured reserve after he suffered an Achilles injury. The team then promoted veteran tight end Nick Vannett from the practice squad to the active roster and re-signed fullback/tight end Lucas Scott to the practice squad.
Ravens coordinators and OL coach Dwayne Ledford will be talking to reporters before today's practice.
Here is a Ravens' recap from Wednesday:
–Acquired C Cam Jurgens via trade from the Eagles
–Placed TE Durham Smythe (Achilles) on injured reserve
–Signed TE Nick Vannett to…
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 8, 2026
The moves give the Ravens some immediate depth while they wait for Jurgens to clear concussion protocol. Jurgens is not expected to play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons because of the concussion. That means the Ravens will still have to piece together their offensive line for another week; however, the long-term plan is much clearer.
The Ravens entered the season already dealing with major problems at center. Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency, while Danny Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn, and Ethan Pocic have all dealt with injuries. First-round pick Vega Ioane was recently moved from guard to center, adding another layer to the shuffle.
Jurgens gives the Ravens a player who can eventually settle that position and allow Ioane to return to guard. The timing of the trade has drawn criticism, with ESPN’s Seth Walder giving Baltimore a D+ for the deal. Walder acknowledged that the Ravens needed to address center but questioned whether they paid too much for Jurgens, particularly with the Eagles able to take advantage of Baltimore’s situation.
That criticism does not change what the Ravens were trying to accomplish. They are 3-1 and have been dealing with injuries across their offensive line, making stability at center increasingly important. The addition of Vannett also fills a different need. Smythe had been valuable as a blocking tight end, so Baltimore needed another veteran who could handle that type of role. Vannett has 108 career receptions for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns across 121 games, but his immediate value could come more from what he does without the ball.
The Ravens still have to navigate Sunday’s game, particularly with quarterback Lamar Jackson dealing with an ankle injury. If Jackson cannot play, Tyler Huntley could start, potentially putting even more emphasis on the running game and Derrick Henry.
Jurgens will have to wait before making his Ravens debut; however, once he is cleared, the Ravens expect the trade to finally bring some stability to a center position that has been in constant motion since the offseason.