Deebo Samuel trade speculation shows why Ravens must avoid another WR gamble

The Baltimore Ravens have a lot going for them right now. Sitting at 8-5 with an MVP-caliber quarterback in Lamar Jackson, a rejuvenated rushing attack led by Derrick Henry, and a second-year standout Zay Flowers lighting it up in the passing game, this team looks poised for a strong playoff push.

So why disrupt the balance by trading for a receiver like Deebo Samuel, who’s already made it clear he’s unhappy with his role in San Francisco?

Deebo Samuel’s frustrations aren’t exactly a secret. As David Latham of Last Word on Sports notes, “Samuel was the subject of trade rumors in the offseason, and those won’t quiet down any time soon.” After a lackluster four-game stretch where he managed just 11 catches for 85 yards, Samuel vented on social media with a since-deleted tweet claiming, “not struggling at all just not getting the ball.” While his talent is undeniable, his situation highlights a potential issue: is Baltimore ready to bring in another receiver who might not get the volume he wants?

Could Deebo Samuel’s frustrations follow him to the Baltimore Ravens?

Adding Deebo Samuel to the Baltimore Ravens’ offense could risk repeating the same issues they’re already facing. With Zay Flowers emerging as a go-to target, Derrick Henry commanding touches, and role players like Rashod Bateman and Isaiah Likely chipping in, the Ravens already have to carefully balance their offensive touches. The situation with Diontae Johnson is a perfect cautionary tale.

Johnson was acquired at the trade deadline to provide a spark but has instead been an afterthought in the offense, catching just one pass for six yards in four games. Then came the suspension for refusing to play against the Philadelphia Eagles. While the Ravens have downplayed the drama—Zay Flowers dismissed it by saying, “It ain’t a distraction,” and Bateman added, “Everybody in here are grown men”—it’s clear the Johnson experiment hasn’t gone as planned.

Would Deebo Samuel’s addition be any different? Samuel’s versatility and ability to create after the catch make him a unique weapon, but those skills can only shine if he’s given enough opportunities. As Latham notes, “The presence of Jackson and Henry makes it impossible for defenses to consistently drop defenders into coverage, so Samuel should have more room to work with in this offense.” In theory, that sounds like a great fit, but in practice, Baltimore’s offense thrives on balance and adaptability—not force-feeding targets to one player.

There’s also the matter of team culture. The Ravens have worked hard to establish a locker room that’s focused on winning above all else. Even amid the Johnson situation, players and coaches have kept their eyes on the bigger picture. With crucial games against playoff contenders still on the schedule, this team doesn’t need any distractions.

While Samuel’s name might generate excitement, trading for him feels like a risk the Ravens don’t need to take. His skill set is impressive, but his frustrations in San Francisco suggest he might struggle to accept a complementary role in Baltimore’s offense. The Ravens are succeeding because of their collective focus and unselfish mentality. Bringing in another wide receiver who demands a significant share of the spotlight could disrupt that chemistry.

For now, Baltimore is better off sticking to what’s working and focusing on the pieces they already have. Let’s not fix what isn’t broken.

More Baltimore Ravens news and analysis