The Baltimore Ravens’ wide receiver room has been a mixed bag this season. Zay Flowers continues to dazzle as a rising star, while Rashod Bateman shows flashes of potential. But the rest of the group? A revolving door of inconsistency, with Diontae Johnson headlining for all the wrong reasons.
As Johnson’s time in Baltimore looks more and more like a one-and-done scenario, the Ravens need to find a reliable veteran presence to steady the ship. Enter Keenan Allen. The six-time Pro Bowler is set to hit free agency this offseason, and though he’s not the elite game-changer he was in his prime, Allen’s skillset and leadership could be exactly what Baltimore needs.
David Latham of Last Word on Sports said it best:
"Keenan Allen is not the player he once was, but the impending free agent is still a sound route runner who should find a home in this offense. The veteran remains a reliable route runner and should be able to create separation at will, especially with opposing defenses focusing on Jackson and Derrick Henry’s abilities in the running game."
Keenan Allen 🥶 pic.twitter.com/jELQCAOu8L
— Receiver School (@ReceiverSchool) November 29, 2024
For a Ravens team that thrives on maximizing every bit of talent around Lamar Jackson, Allen could be the missing piece in a balanced attack.
Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen would be a great 2025 addition
At 32, Allen isn’t burning defensive backs downfield, but that’s not his game. What Allen does bring is exceptional route-running, reliable hands, and a knack for creating separation in the short-to-intermediate areas. That skillset pairs beautifully with Lamar Jackson, whose growth as a passer has been evident this season. Allen doesn’t need to be the deep threat—Zay Flowers and Bateman have that covered. Instead, he can thrive as a security blanket, particularly in critical situations.
Baltimore’s offense already features a potent one-two punch in Jackson and Derrick Henry on the ground, but it’s clear they need more consistency through the air. Allen’s ability to move the chains and complement Flowers’ explosive playstyle could make the Ravens’ passing attack as balanced as it’s been in years.
Then there’s the leadership factor. Baltimore’s front office has never shied away from bringing in veterans with a strong presence, and Allen fits that mold. Coming off a season in Chicago where he worked with rookie QB Caleb Williams, Allen has shown he can adapt to new systems and still contribute. His voice in the locker room could also help steady an inconsistent wide receiver corps that’s dealt with its fair share of drama.
It’s safe to assume Johnson’s days in Baltimore are numbered. Cutting him midseason would’ve been a gift to a contender like Kansas City or Pittsburgh, and the Ravens aren’t in the business of handing out favors. But once the offseason rolls around, Johnson’s likely heading elsewhere. As his antics fade into the rearview, the focus should turn to finding his replacement.
Keenan Allen may not be a long-term solution, but he’s a dependable stopgap. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, that’s worth its weight in gold. Whether he’s working the middle of the field or mentoring younger players like Flowers and Bateman, Allen has the skillset and savvy to help this team take the next step.
When free agency kicks off, the Ravens should make a hard push. After all, reliability doesn’t grow on trees—and Keenan Allen might just be the surest thing on the market.