D.J. Moore is an unrealistic dream trade target for the Ravens

Many Baltimore Ravens fans would want nothing more than to see Carolina Panthers star wide receiver D.J. Moore return to the state of Maryland. And with the Ravens potentially in the market for a wideout at the trade deadline, it makes some sense.

Moore is one of the most talented young receivers in the NFL, and despite a down year in 2022, is still held in high regard around the league. That includes those in the Panthers organization, however.

Teams have checked in on Moore’s availability, quite possibly the Ravens as well. But it seems highly unlikely that the former first-round pick is dealt before the deadline.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported last week that the Panthers see Moore as “a foundational piece to their roster” and that a trade seemed unlikely as a result. Jordan Schultz of theScore shared a similar sentiment on Thursday when he reported that Moore was “highly unlikely” to be traded.

The Ravens might want Moore. Moore might even want the Ravens. But it takes two teams to execute a trade, and the Panthers seem very hesitant to deal their star wide receiver.

Don’t expect the Ravens to trade for D.J. Moore

The 24th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Moore has topped 1,100 yards in each of the last three seasons. Despite not making a Pro Bowl (and his down year this season), only five players in the NFL have accumulated more receiving yards over the last four seasons than Moore.

He’s a star wide receiver in every sense of the term and someone who would transform this Ravens offense. Moore would be the best wide receiver Lamar Jackson has ever thrown to, hands down.

From a pure talent perspective, this would be a no-brainer for the Ravens. However, it’s likely that the Panthers would command a significant trade package to make a deal happen.

They were reportedly willing to turn down two first-round picks for star pass rusher Brain Burns. I’d imagine it would take a similar offer to pry Moore away given their hesitancy to move him.

While it would be fun to see Moore return to Maryland and provide the Ravens with the star wide receiver they’ve been missing, they’re probably better off targeting more feasible options.

Players like Brandin Cooks, Jerry Jeudy, Kendrick Bourne, etc. are all more likely to be moved and/or more affordable. Moore is little more than a pipe dream.

If the Ravens make a move for a wide receiver at the deadline this year, don’t expect it to be D.J. Moore.