Ravens trade rookie CB Shaun Wade to Patriots

The Ravens are set to trade cornerback Shaun Wade to the Patriots (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The deal will free up space in the Baltimore secondary while adding a once highly touted prospect to the Pats. The full terms of the trade are not yet known.

Wade was in the late first-round/early second-round conversation back in 2020. However, he chose to return to Ohio State for one more year. In hindsight, he probably regrets that decision. Wade had a rough season with the Buckeyes, including a disastrous performance in the national title game. After DeVonta Smith went off for 12/215/3 at his expense, he tumbled all the way to the fifth round of the 2021 draft.

It’s a low-risk move for the Patriots, which aren’t giving up much to acquire Wade and his modest contract. As the No. 160 overall pick, Wade is set to make less than $3.5M over the next four years. This season, he’ll make just $660K in base salary with a $739K cap hit.

Wade will provide depth for the Patriots as they await word on Stephon Gilmore‘s status. He remains on the PUP list while also pushing for a better contract.