Yesterday, Baltimore Beatdown’s Dustin Cox wrote about the Ravens as a potential landing spot for A.J. Brown. The supposedly-disgruntled Eagles wide receiver has been the subject of endless trade rumors in recent weeks, but a deal seems unlikely to come together anytime soon.
Simply put, the financials are virtually unworkable from Philly’s end until June 1. It would take a very strong offer for them to absorb all $43.5 million of Brown’s remaining dead money, one that Eric DeCosta will not send.
But he should still consider adding to the Ravens’ wide receiver room this offseason. Right now, only five are on the roster, and only Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman have significant playing experience. Devontez Walker is clearly ready for some more looks, but it is hard to see LaJohntay Wester as much more than a gadget player. (The fifth is Cornelius Johnson, an athletic former Michigan wideout and 2024 Chargers seventh-round pick. He has yet to play a snap in the NFL.)
Bateman is coming off a down year, and Walker has not played much. With new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle likely to use three-receiver sets more often, the Ravens need at least one more receiver who they know can take on regular season snaps. Who should that be?
Nikhil’s take: I’d argue there’s room for a veteran and a rookie on the Ravens’ roster, so I’ll throw out a few options in each category. It would be simple enough to re-sign DeAndre Hopkins. A new coaching staff should alleviate concerns of a repeat of his confounding lack of usage last season. When he was on the field, his prowess at the catch point and chemistry with Lamar Jackson produced solid results. Hopkins’ contract voided earlier this week, though, so the Ravens may have already moved on. In that case, how about reuniting with another receiver who has also played for the Cardinals and the Chiefs? Hollywood Brown quietly had a solid 2025 and, of course, is close with Jackson. He is best-known as a deep threat, but he only has two drops in the last two years and can operate in the intermediate areas of the field, too. Brown’s injury history is worrying, but he would not have to take on too many snaps.
I cannot say I love the idea of taking a wide receiver with the 14th overall pick, though I could certainly envision a scenario in which it makes the most sense. Indiana WR duo Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt are two Day 2 options I would target, and Jakobi Lane could be worth a look early on Day 3 if he’s still around.
Now, it’s your turn! Which wide receiver would you add to the Ravens offense this offseason? Baltimore could theoretically add any free agent or rookie wideout, so feel free to mention any of them. And if you have a wide receiver you’d target via trade, let us know in the comments!
