A massive trade could be in the works between the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Giants during the NFL Draft involving WR Rashod Bateman. According to a source, the Ravens might need to make an “uncomfortable” trade, which involves one of their star playmakers, who is coming off a disastrous 2025 season. Coming off only hauling in 19 receptions for 224 receiving yards, the receiver could use a scenery change. The Ravens haven’t shown any indication that the team is open to moving Bateman.
Last offseason, the team was offered a deal from the Dallas Cowboys, but they turned down the deal and decided to extend the receiver. Bateman came off the previous season that offseason, recording 45 catches for 756 yards and 9 touchdowns. He wasn’t able to stay consistent, and the Ravens are probably a new offense under Jesse Minter either way, so the team might be open to moving Bateman this time around.
Bateman is still 26-years-old and could change things around at this point in his career, but a trade is still possible.
Ravens, Giants Connected to Rashod Bateman Trade
The same source said the Ravens could offer Bateman in exchange for the Giants’ defensive tackle, Dexter Lawrence. While it sounds sensible for Baltimore, considering they need to bolster the defensive line, it wouldn’t make sense for New York. The team is eying a reunion with Odell Beckham Jr., and they signed Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin in free agency. Unless New York moves on from Jalin Hyatt, the Giants aren’t expected to pursue Bateman.
Although it would reunite Bateman with John Harbaugh, either way, he wouldn’t have too much of a role in the offense he’s building in New York. For the sake of this article, it will go over three other fits that might suit Bateman better.
Other Potential Suitors
Dallas Cowboys
There’s a chance the Cowboys and Ravens could revisit the Bateman trade talks. Dallas franchised tagged George Pickens, but it doesn’t mean the team is off the hook just yet. Even after they reach a deal with Pickens, the Cowboys have a questionable hole in their receiver unit. The team lost Jalen Tolbert in free agency to the Dolphins, which gives Ryan Flournoy a chance to shine. This isn’t to say that Flournoy isn’t decent, but perhaps he’s not ready for a WR3 role.
KaVontae Turpin is the backend of the receiver depth chart, but someone like Bateman could elevate the slot game and give Dak Prescott another high-stakes option in the passing area.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have yet to add a receiver this offseason. Ladd McConkey is the best option they have, and it’s very troubling for a QB like Justin Herbert, who is getting older each season. It’s time for this offense to be elevated since guys like KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris won’t elevate them where this team needs to be. Despite Quentin Johnston showing signs of improvement, the Chargers are better off acquiring Bateman.
Herbert would get another speedster in the receiver unit, while the team finds a receiver they like in this year’s draft.
Los Angeles Rams
With the Rams expected to rebuild in 2027, the team might be better equipped to trade for Bateman this NFL Draft. Matthew Stafford is likely to retire, with Davante Adams expected to follow or join another team. Los Angeles admitted that they viewed Adams as a trade candidate this offseason, so this is probably his last season as a Ram. This would leave Puka Nacua alone in the aerial attack as the best receiver in this offense, and bringing in Bateman could be a safe choice to complement him.
