The Baltimore Ravens are poised to make another deep postseason run in 2025 after capturing the AFC North title with a 12-5 record last season. Their playoff campaign began by dismantling division rival Pittsburgh in the Wild Card Round, a game that exposed the Steelers’ collapse during their four-game skid to end the regular season. Meanwhile, the Ravens looked dominant, fueled by a strong defense and an offense that’s finally finding balance under quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Baltimore’s offensive identity has been significantly reshaped over the past two seasons. The signing of Derrick Henry in 2024 gave them a powerful, veteran running presence to complement Jackson’s dynamic dual-threat ability. In the passing game, the arrival of Zay Flowers—selected 22nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft—has added explosiveness and versatility. Flowers quickly developed chemistry with Jackson and emerged as a reliable playmaker, creating a potential logjam in the wide receiver room.
One player whose future has grown uncertain is wideout Rashod Bateman. Drafted in the first round in 2021, Bateman was expected to be Jackson’s go-to target, but injuries and the rise of other receiving options—namely tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely—have hindered his progress. Despite that, Bateman posted a solid 2024 season with 756 yards and nine touchdowns on 45 receptions, quietly building his trade value as a secondary option with upside.
According to a recent report from Last Word on Sports, Bateman could be a strong trade candidate, and the Washington Commanders might be a potential landing spot. The Commanders made a surprise run to the NFC Championship Game last year and are now looking to continue their upward trajectory with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels under center. While they boast Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel as their top two receivers, the WR3 role remains unsettled despite offseason additions like Michael Gallup and Noah Brown.
Bateman’s skill set—his route-running, size, and red zone efficiency—could be a perfect complement in Washington’s offense. The Commanders need reliable targets to support Daniels’ development, and Bateman’s recent performance shows he’s healthy and ready to contribute. While rookie Luke McCaffrey may eventually emerge, banking on an unproven player could be risky for a team aiming to return to the NFC title game.
For the Ravens, trading Bateman might be more about managing assets than lack of talent. With Flowers ascending, Andrews and Likely thriving, and Henry commanding attention in the run game, Bateman becomes a luxury rather than a necessity. If the right offer comes in, especially from a team like Washington with legitimate playoff aspirations, Baltimore might be willing to make a move that benefits both parties.
