With the latest Baltimore Ravens rumors projecting a new contract for WR Zay Flowers, it could open up talks regarding WR2 Rashod Bateman via a trade during the 2026 season. Last year, the Ravens rolled the dice on veteran DeAndre Hopkins to stabilize the pass-attack group, leading Bateman to have one of his worst campaigns as a wideout. Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Minnesota product hauled in just 224 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his latest season. As the Ravens are “optimistic” about a new deal, the team might not have the financial liberty to give Bateman a new contract in the coming years.
Fortunately, the wideout is still signed through the 2029 season, but how long will he be a Raven until then? The former Minnesota product is entering a pivotal 2026 season. After the team drafted Ja’Kobi Lane while bringing back Devontez Walker in the fold, the pressure is on him to improve his production. The WR can forget about the 2025 campaign, but he missed the start of minicamp to deal with a “personal matter” earlier this offseason, so is he truly committed?
One can wonder what could happen in the next several months. The Ravens have a new head coach, and it will be the first time in several years they’ll be without John Harbaugh.
Ravens Rumors
Main Photo: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Ravens Rumors: $36M Star Likely Traded Amid Massive Contract News
GM Eric DeCosta Calls Out the WR
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta agrees that Bateman is coming off a “lost” season last year. Baltimore is now acknowledging his lackluster campaign, but the team luckily isn’t giving up on him. DeCosta is envisioning a better season for the receiver who broke out in 2024:
“I’m really, really excited to see how he does this year with Declan in this offense,” DeCosta said during an appearance onBaltimore Sports Radio 105.7-FM The Fan. “Everybody’s excited about him. He’s going to have a lot of opportunities this year. Last year was just kind of a lost season in some ways, but that’s no indication of the type of player we think he is. I love the guy.”
However, will patience wear thin? The answer has to be yes. If Lane and Walker can outplay the receiver, the team might be open to moving him before this year’s trade deadline. Here are three teams that could roll the dice on the WR.
Potential Trade Destinations
Carolina Panthers
With Xavier Legette likely on the hot seat entering the 2026 season, the Carolina Panthers could be open to adding another receiver if things don’t pan out. The good news is that the Panthers have two proven receivers, Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, and after drafting Chris Brazzell, the team might have a complete offense. However, Legette could be stopping the Panthers’ plans to establish a ferocious passing attack for QB Bryce Young.
With the Ravens and Panthers having questions about at least one of their pass-catchers, the teams could simply swap receivers via trade this year.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are still searching for a WR2 ever since they traded Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh due to cap space. Alec Pierce is locked in as WR1, but who else is helping him other than Josh Downs? Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will compete for WR3, but they’re better off adding a veteran free agent before Week 1. If Daniel Jones struggles during the season, the Colts could bolster the offense by adding Bateman to their WR mix.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Although the Jaguars will keep Brian Thomas Jr. for at least one more season, it doesn’t mean they won’t stop entertaining the trade rumors that escalated during the 2026 NFL Draft. After the team traded for Jakobi Meyers, they have him, Parker Washington and Travis Hunter as three highly productive weapons. Despite Hunter being more of a cornerback than a receiver this upcoming campaign, the Jaguars could trade Thomas in exchange for Bateman, but for an additional third-round pick.