Baltimore Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman has had a slow ascension to becoming a quality starter in the NFL. As such, it took him a while to meet the expectations set for him as a 2021 first-round pick.
Bateman broke out in 2024, even if it was only to the tune of 756 yards. He earned the trust of quarterback Lamar Jackson, scored nine touchdowns, and projects to be a starter in 2025.
His long-term status is less certain, as he is a movable contract with no guaranteed money after the upcoming season. That has naturally led to online trade speculation. Last Word on Sports recently linked him to the New England Patriots.
“The New England Patriots have a lot of bodies on their wide receiver depth chart, but not too many with high ceilings,” David Latham wrote. “Stefon Diggs is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward signing, but the rest of the players leave something to be desired. Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglass, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins are depth receivers, and 2024 draft picks Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker did nothing as rookies.
“Rookie Kyle Williams is the only player with long-term upside, and the 25-year-old Rashod Bateman could be the perfect trade target to help bring Drake Maye’s game to the next level.”
Bateman is a strong fit for the Patriots, but the Ravens should not be interested in trading a key starter.
Baltimore added DeAndre Hopkins in the offseason, but he doesn’t render Bateman expendable. It’s imperative to have three dangerous receivers in an 11-personnel-heavy league. Bateman offers a more versatile skill set than Hopkins at this point in his career.
Further, Baltimore should be in the business of adding talent in a Super Bowl window, not sacrificing it. Back-to-back seasons have ended at the hands of the pass catchers being not quite good enough. It’s part of why Hopkins is in the building in the first place. Losing Bateman would make that a net negative for the offseason.
Sometimes, it’s necessary for contenders to cut back on pricy veterans to boost future draft capital. But Bateman is inexpensive, and the Ravens have no shortage of 2026 picks.
Development isn’t linear, and there’s a chance Bateman has even more upside to tap into. With little reason to move on, it’s in Baltimore’s best interest to watch it play out in his fifth season.