The Dallas Cowboys recently agreed to a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, but they also tried to acquire Rashod Bateman from the Baltimore Ravens. A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Minnesota product never quite justified his first-round capital but has been a solid starter for John Harbaugh’s squad. Appearing in 17 games last year, Bateman finished his fourth year in the league with a respectable 45 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns while helping Baltimore make it deep into the playoffs.
While Pro Bowler Zay Flowers is the clear lead target in the wide receiver room, Bateman will start opposite him in two-receiver sets. He’s still a valuable player, but it’s easy to see why the Cowboys thought Rashod Bateman could be on the trade block. He doesn’t have any guaranteed money beyond 2025 and Baltimore could save $4 million if they trade him after June 1st. While he won’t come cheap, the following teams could make a more aggressive offer than Dallas.
Ravens Listened to Rashod Bateman Trade Offer – Deal Imminent?
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. 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.
New Orleans Saints
Whether it’s Derek Carr or Tyler Shough under center, the New Orleans Saints must do more to support their quarterback. Chris Olave and Rashod Bateman are a fine duo on paper, but Olave’s extensive concussion history makes him unlikely to play a full 17-game season. Bateman would be a clear upgrade to the existing depth chart, and his skillset perfectly complements the rest of the offense.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are all-in, as evidenced by the James Pearce trade. With no first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Falcons believe they have the talent needed to compete in 2025 and beyond. With that in mind, they might as well fortify their receiving corps with a Rashod Bateman trade. Pairing him with Drake London and Darnell Mooney will ensure that 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix will develop into a franchise quarterback.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have a great young receiver in 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but they could use another younger option on the team. Cooper Kupp is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning, and it’s anyone’s guess as to how the oft-injured receiver will perform in a new environment. With Sam Darnold now under center, Rashod Bateman could give this team another reliable set of hands for years to come.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are rebuilding their wide receiver room with second-year star Ladd McConkey and rookie second-round pick Tre Harris. However, they could use a more proven option like Rashod Bateman as they compete in one of the league’s most competitive divisions. He can start while Harris adjusts to the NFL and should be an upgrade on Quentin Johnston and the aging Mike Williams.
Main Photo: Mark Konezny – Imagn Images
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