The Baltimore Ravens are teetering on the edge of selling, standing pat, or maybe even buying at the trade deadline. It's unknown how things will play out, and although the organization probably isn’t eager to change much, several names have been thrown around over the past week.
That includes Rashod Bateman.
At 4-5, the Ravens are without their starting quarterback and need a lot of luck to sneak into the playoffs. At 5-4, the Los Angeles Rams are banged up, but have gone all-in to compete in 2026.
With Puka Nacua expected to go on IR with a sprained MCL, PCL, and turf toe, and Davante Adams already on IR, the Rams are desperate for wide receiver depth. They’re relying on Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington as their top wideouts.
Could Bateman suddenly be on their radar? If he is, would Eric DeCosta be willing to move him?
Los Angeles Rams could be a suitor for Baltimore Ravens’ WR Rashod Bateman
Baltimore probably won’t trade Rashod Bateman unless an offer forces them to. They extended him on a three-year, $36.75 million contract in 2025, which runs through the 2029 campaign. He’s a fine WR2 on a team-friendly contract; those are hard to come by.
Now, Bateman also hasn’t been consistent in Charm City. Outside of that very solid 2024 campaign where he tallied 45 receptions for 756 yards and 9 touchdowns, he’s struggled to maintain strong production. That could be a reason to trade him.
However, the 26-year-old seemed ready to turn things around this year. From Week 2 to Week 5, Bateman had 20 receptions for 233 yards and a touchdown, and caught a 20+ yard pass in each game. With a healthy Lamar Jackson and a better offensive line, we might’ve seen a dynamic duo unveiled between Zay Flowers and Bateman.
Realistically, the Ravens might only trade Bateman if the Rams pony up.
You won’t get a ton for Bateman — no team is going to fork up a Godfather-like offer. At best, Baltimore likely gets a fourth-round pick for the sixth-year wideout. But the Rams are in a horrible spot.
Les Snead and Sean McVay are one of those teams that have made it blatantly clear they don’t care much for draft picks.
Looking at strictly picks, they dealt two first-rounders in each of the Jalen Ramsey and Matthew Stafford trade packages, a first and several other picks in the Trent McDuffie trade, and another first and two Day 2 picks in the Myles Garrett trade.
Those are obviously star players, and Bateman is far from that. Desperate times call for desperate measures, though. Bateman is also only 26 and has another three years remaining on his deal.
Can Eric DeCosta net a third for Bateman?
The Rams don’t have their 2027 third-round selection, but they do in 2028. Of course, 2028 picks are less valuable right now, making a third-round return more feasible.
Ultimately, though, the Ravens don’t sound like they’d be willing to sell much. Rentals maybe. Players under team control? Probably not as willing.
If Los Angeles offers up a Day 2 pick, though, it’d be hard to say no.
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