Star receivers the Ravens could trade for not named Davante Adams
By Matt Sidney
We’re just over four weeks into the season, and trade rumors are already swirling. With the deadline still weeks away, the Baltimore Ravens could be in the market for a major addition to bolster their roster.
On Tuesday morning, one rumor gained serious traction: star wide receiver Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders. What started as mere speculation quickly escalated, with reports suggesting that Adams had officially submitted a trade request.
For a team like the Ravens, fresh off a dominant win over the Buffalo Bills and firmly back in the conversation as one of the NFL’s elite, adding a top-tier wide receiver like Adams could be the final piece that pushes them toward a Super Bowl run—especially with quarterback Lamar Jackson at the helm. A move like this could turn their offensive firepower into something truly unstoppable.
However, a trade for Adams might prove to be too difficult. Whether it be the Ravens don't want to meet the Raiders' trade demands or because the salary finagling would be too tough. Either way, Adams is not a guaranteed trade. Here are three receivers who could help the Ravens if an Adams trade falls through.
Three wide receivers the Ravens could trade for not named Davante Adams
Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ season is spiraling, and it could lead to wide receiver Christian Kirk being traded. Kirk, who signed a hefty four-year, $72 million deal in 2022, has been a key piece of Jacksonville’s offense. Over two-plus seasons, he’s tallied 151 receptions for 2,003 yards and 11 touchdowns under head coach Doug Pederson.
With the Jaguars struggling and Doug Pederson on the hot seat, Christian Kirk’s time in Florida may be ending. With one year left on his contract and no guaranteed money beyond 2024, Kirk could be moved, especially with emerging talent like Brian Thomas and free agent Gabriel Davis. If Jacksonville continues to lose, the Ravens could target Kirk to boost their offense.
DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans
DeAndre Hopkins has been linked to the Ravens in trade rumors several times, but nothing has ever come to fruition. Now, with the 32-year-old set to become a free agent at the end of the season and the Titans sitting at 1-3 heading into Week 5, there’s a chance a move could be on the horizon. Will Levis hasn’t impressed at quarterback so far, and the Titans might consider trading away one of his key weapons to boost their chances of drafting his replacement.
Hopkins has been dealing with some injuries early this season and has 10 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown through four games. That said, he did surpass 1,000 receiving yards just last season. The biggest hurdle for the Ravens in trading for Hopkins is his cap hit, likely exceeding $10 million with base salary and incentives. Some cap adjustments would be needed, but Hopkins could provide Lamar Jackson with a game-changing target to boost the offense.
Diontae Jonhson, Carolina Panthers
Another productive wide receiver who has been linked to the Ravens in past rumors is Diontae Johnson. The 28-year-old is currently the top target for the Panthers. With Carolina expected to struggle this season and Johnson on a one-year deal, he could be a potential trade target for Baltimore.
However, much like Hopkins, Johnson’s $10 million contract would require the Ravens to manage their cap space effectively. Additionally, Johnson has been Carolina’s only consistent offensive weapon this season, already racking up 20 receptions for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns. With Andy Dalton now at quarterback and the Panthers already facing criticism over their botched Bryce Young QB situation, trading away their most reliable wideout could stir even more discontent, especially if they plan to return Young to the lineup.
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