The Baltimore Ravens' nightmare season is over, and it ended heartbreakingly in a two-point loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, it's officially the offseason for the Ravens, and they'll have some difficult decisions to make after an underwhelming 8-9 finish. Fresh off a three-year $36 million extension, wide receiver Rashod Bateman had a disappointing season, and he should absolutely be a trade candidate this offseason.
As such, we may have already seen Bateman in a Ravens uniform for the last time.
He recorded just 224 yards and two touchdowns on the season. Bateman missed four games, including the season finale. Regardless, this lack of production is extremely underwhelming, especially given Bateman's new contract. Last season, he was much more productive, recording 756 yards and nine touchdowns.
Rashod Bateman’s final 2025 season stats (13 games)
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) January 3, 2026
- 19 catches
- 224 yards
- 2 touchdowns
He signed a 3-year, $36.75M extension in the offseason pic.twitter.com/iMb9t9IrPu
Trading Bateman would benefit the Ravens
Bateman's lack of production made the Ravens' passing game fairly predictable. Zay Flowers had a fantastic season, but it would be nice to have another dependable receiver next to him and give Lamar Jackson another reliable target. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has suggested that the Ravens target George Pickens in free agency, and you truly can't think of a better fit in the offense.
Signing or trading for a WR would presumably cause the Ravens to trade Bateman.
While Bateman's value is likely not very high, especially given his contract, taking anything in return for him could help the Ravens' level up. Even if they don't land another game-changing wide receiver via free agency or trade, Tez Walker seems ready for a bigger role, and trading Bateman would open up cap space to make moves around the edges.
Walker could become the deep threat the Ravens had hoped Bateman could be; he has a similar build and electric speed. In a limited role, the second-year wideout recorded three touchdowns and 136 yards.
Even though Bateman had a down season, and his trade value is likely not ideal, some teams should be willing to gamble on his talent. He is a former first-round pick and has shown flashes of being a solid complementary wide receiver. Bateman's lower trade price and upside could entice a team to make a move.
Given the possibility to upgrade their receiving room and/or overall roster trading, Bateman is absolutely something that the Ravens should explore. While it's not guaranteed that Bateman gets traded, his future will be worth monitoring over the offseason, and it wouldn't shock anyone if he gets moved.