The New York Giants may hold a potential solution for the Baltimore Ravens' kicking woes, as Giants coach John Harbaugh suggested that kicker Ben Sauls could be available via trade. This comes as Ravens kicker Tyler Loop continues to struggle during training camp.
Loop has faced significant criticism and fan boos due to his inconsistent performance, including missed field goals from 51 and 58 yards in a recent preseason game against the Commanders. He finished the preseason 5-of-8 on field goal attempts. Ravens head coach Jesse Minter acknowledged the need for reliable kicks in game situations, stating, "You want to see makes in games... it comes down to making the kicks and the pressure situations in the game."
Harbaugh, whose background includes special teams expertise, announced that undrafted rookie Dominic Zvada won the Giants' preseason kicking competition. However, Harbaugh also spoke highly of Sauls, advocating for him to find a spot with another NFL team. "I would say Ben also won a job," Harbaugh said. "He should be kicking in the National Football League based on the fact that if we didn’t have Dominic, then Ben would have been the guy. So, I thought he had a great camp as well."
Sauls, who was 8-for-8 on field goals and 7-for-7 on extra points late last season for the Giants, has not been cut. The team is reportedly considering a trade for Sauls, possibly in exchange for a draft pick or a backup defensive tackle, before the Sunday roster cutdown deadline. The Giants recently traded a 2028 seventh-round pick to the Ravens for C.J. Okoye.
The Ravens, who previously had a significant moment with kicker Tyler Loop in a playoff-clinching scenario, are reportedly facing competition for Sauls' services. The New York Jets, who are reportedly uncertain about Jason Sanders after a preseason marked by missed kicks, may also be interested in acquiring Sauls. The Jets have already waived Cade York, who lost out to Sanders.
Should the Ravens pursue Sauls, they would be looking to address a position that has become a point of concern following Loop's preseason performance.