After spending the last five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, wide receiver Rashod Bateman could look into switching to a new team where he could flourish. Aaron Schatz of ESPN put together a list of every player from each NFL team who needs a new environment to reinvent their abilities, including Bateman, who is coming off his worst season statistically. Despite the Ravens receiver signing a three-year, $36.75 million extension last year, the team might look into trading Bateman at some point. Baltimore fired John Harbaugh after the Wild-Card Loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in January, which sent shockwaves, so it shouldn’t be surprising if Bateman follows as the latest victim of a release or trade.
Bateman broke out during the 2024 campaign, posting career-highs in yards and touchdowns as he recorded 45 catches for 756 yards and nine touchdowns. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to get back to his old productive self. While Schatz pointed out that most defensive teams treated Bateman as the WR1 over Zay Flowers, this isn’t entirely true.
Ravens WR Rashod Bateman May Seek “Change of Scenery” – Could Lead to Trade
Last offseason, the team signed veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to a one-year contract to boost their chances for a Super Bowl. However, the Ravens failed to utilize him in the right situations. While Hopkins is open to the idea of returning to Baltimore for at least one more year, he wants the team to “use” him more. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been a part of trade rumors, had a chance to throw to wide-open Hopkins to solidify their win over the Steelers during the postseason, but he attempted to throw to free agent Isaiah Likely, who successfully caught it.
It might’ve been a better idea to get Hopkins the ball and get out of the bounds, so the Ravens could’ve handed the ball off to running back Derrick Henry to run down the clock and position for the game-winner, but the kicker failed to convert. With that, it’s safe to say that Jackson needs another high-caliber replacement weapon for Bateman’s place, so here are three teams that could entertain a potential deal.
Potential Trade Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are in rebuild mode, and after trading away Rashid Shaheed last season, current receiver Chris Olave could be at risk of a trade. Despite the team exercising his fifth-year option, Olave is entering the final year of his rookie contract. This means a rebuilding team like the Saints could entertain all options on the table to help quarterback Tyler Shough.
The Ravens need another WR1 that can help elevate the pass-attack alongside Flowers, so the team potentially swapping receivers is somewhat a solid deal. If Baltimore wants to sweeten the negotiation, the team could send a fifth-round draft pick along with Bateman.
Indianapolis Colts
Meanwhile, the Colts have several contracts to deal with this offseason. Between talents like Alec Pierce, Michael Pittman Jr. and Zaire Franklin, the team is at risk of losing Pierce, who is coming off a strong 2025 campaign. Pittman’s current deal creates a cap casualty, so the team could restructure his contract and send him to Baltimore in return for Bateman. Whether it’s Daniel Jones or a new quarterback in the draft, they will need an adequate receiver so that the team can focus on extending Pierce.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Los Angeles Chargers are in dire need of a superstar weapon in their receiver unit for Justin Herbert. Free Agent Keenan Allen is too old, and they need someone who could elevate this offense enough to create comfort for standout Ladd McConkey. Bateman has the same elusivity and raw skill as McConkey, which Herbert would appreciate. The Chargers and Ravens have been no strangers to previous trades, so Los Angeles could send a third-round pick and a future fifth-round pick to Baltimore for Bateman.