The Baltimore Ravens are entering another NFL Draft process with the goal of finding more wide receiver talent, as Zay Flowers and the inconsistent Rashod Bateman are not going to be enough to take down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs atop the AFC. Perhaps those reinforcements could come via a trade.
The Ravens should be interested in players that fit a particular archetype, as young standouts with vertical speed should be held in the highest regard. The New York Giants might make one of those names available if they fail to reach a new contract with Darius Slayton.
One of the few solid skill position players New York has had in the last few years, Slayton did not show up to the team's offseason workouts. He signed a two-year, $12 million contract last offseason, but it seems like he is eyeing a bigger contract the Giants are generally unwilling to pay.
Given the need to pay Slayton and the fact his production hasn't been mind-boggling, the Ravens might be able add a potential WR2 without giving up and of their prized early draft picks. His speed is still very much a threat, which could help Lamar Jackson and the rest of the Baltimore passing game.
Joe Schoen: WR Darius Slayton's absence from voluntary workouts 'doesn't change anything' about Giants' draft planshttps://t.co/aNWSUCOoI7 pic.twitter.com/mDvYS66UI7
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 19, 2024
Baltimore Ravens should trade for Darius Slayton amid contract dispute
Slayton has recorded between 700 and 800 yards in four of his five seasons in the NFL, and he missed four games in the only season where he failed to hit that mark. With an averaged of 15.1 yards per catch and 19 touchdowns, the verticality from his Auburn tape translated to the pros.
Slayton managed to put up these numbers with a far inferior quarterback in Daniel Jones throwing him the ball most of the time. Still just 27 years old, Slayton could be in for a major production bump if he joins the Ravens and Jackson's ultra-accurate arm.
The hypothetical addition of Slayton could set up a solid top three of him, Bateman, and Flowers. Rounding out the room with veteran Nelson Agholor, a possible mid-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and veteran kick returner Deonte Harty, the Ravens will have exceptional depth at the position.
In a league where wide receiver play is more valuable than it has ever been, the Ravens need to keep investing in players until they can finally get the depth they need. Slayton has more talent than most free agents still out there, making a trade a worthwhile pursuit.