The 2024 NFL Draft could feature more than one big-name trade, as Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is the latest name to be included in the rumors. Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Bateman began his career on a promising note. While injuries limited him to 12 games, he still managed to record 46 receptions for 515 yards and one touchdown on 68 targets. He maintained his productive play early in 2022, recording 15 receptions for 285 yards and two touchdowns during his six healthy games.
The wide receiver finally stayed on the field in 2023 but quickly fell down the depth chart. With Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham in town, Bateman finished the season with just 32 receptions for 367 yards and a touchdown. Even though Beckham is on the way out, one prominent reporter believes the Ravens will still trade Rashod Bateman.
Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post recently penned an article discussing the uncertain nature of the 2024 NFL Draft. While most of it pertains to the picks themselves, La Canfora says that he would “add Baltimore’s Rashod Bateman to the list of recent first-round pass catchers who could be dealt by the end of the draft.)”
Wide Receiver Rashod Bateman On the Trade Block
It’s easy to see why Rashod Bateman would want a trade. After three years of inconsistent targets, a change of scenery could bring out the best in the former first-round pick. While the results weren’t there last year, Bateman had promising moments on tape. He was getting open, he just wasn’t getting the ball.
Rashod Bateman is a silky smooth route runner, we have to incorporate him into the offense more
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— johnny ® (@immabaltimoron) April 13, 2024
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What doesn’t make sense is why the Ravens would want to trade Rashod Bateman. Baltimore lost several key free agents over the past month and doesn’t have enough draft picks to replace every departed starter. Seeing as Bateman is entering the final year of his rookie deal (assuming they don’t pick up the fifth-year option), the Ravens probably won’t be able to get much of a return in a trade. So, why would an all-in team like Baltimore give up a potential starter for a late-round draft pick?
Rashod Bateman might not ever live up to his first-round billing, but he should generate some interest on the trade market. If a team is going to acquire him, these five organizations are the most logical fits.
Potential Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have holes throughout their roster but lack the resources to fix all of them. With only two picks in the first four rounds, New Orleans might have to trade for Rashod Bateman if they want to replace Michael Thomas. While he’s not the same type of player as Thomas, he could be a much-needed reliable set of hands for Derek Carr.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers will need a new wide receiver if they trade Brandon Aiyuk. Baltimore should be interested in acquiring the wide receiver, and they could use Rashod Bateman in a potential trade. If the Ravens offered the 30th-overall pick and Bateman in exchange for Aiyuk, would the 49ers take that deal?
Carolina Panthers
Seeing as they don’t have a first-round pick, the Carolina Panthers need to address the wide receiver position with as many potential contributors as possible. Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen are a good start, but it wouldn’t hurt to add Rashod Bateman into the mix via trade. If he can play like he did in 2021 and 2022, then the Panthers should have at least two or three reliable options for Bryce Young, even if they don’t have a superstar.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been astonishingly quiet in free agency, but they could make some noise in the NFL Draft. CeeDee Lamb is a superstar, but Brandin Cooks has slowed down. Rashod Bateman offers some short-term upside in a trade, and getting him for a late-round pick would allow Dallas to focus on other needs with their early draft picks.
New York Giants
Whether it’s J.J. McCarthy or Daniel Jones, somebody will need to catch the ball in New York. The Giants needed more reliable weapons, but that need was exasperated by the potential departures of Darius Slayton and Darren Waller. Rashod Bateman is no sure thing, but the trade candidate is worth a low-risk investment.
Main Photo: Mitch Stringer – USA Today Sports
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