Context:

The Baltimore Ravens, a consistent playoff team under quarterback Lamar Jackson, might trade wide receiver Rashod Bateman to the Washington Commanders following his standout season. Despite the Ravens' offensive prowess, anchored by key players like Zay Flowers and Derrick Henry, rumors suggest a potential shift as the Commanders seek to bolster their receiving corps. The Commanders, revitalized by quarterback Jayden Daniels' impressive rookie performance, have already added stars like Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil to support their playoff aspirations. Speculation of a trade arises from the Cowboys' previous interest in Bateman, indicating his strong value despite the Ravens' success. Both teams, though in different conferences, aim for Super Bowl contention in the upcoming season, with strategic player acquisitions being a focal point for the Commanders' ongoing rebuild.

Dive Deeper:

• The Baltimore Ravens have consistently reached the playoffs, led by Lamar Jackson, and recently boasted the top offense in the NFL, averaging 425 yards per game under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who received a contract extension.

• Rashod Bateman, after overcoming early career challenges, delivered an impressive season with 756 yards and nine touchdowns, becoming a key player for the Ravens' offense alongside Zay Flowers and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.

• The Washington Commanders experienced a breakthrough season, reaching the NFC Championship game, largely due to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who demonstrated exceptional clutch performance by leading crucial comebacks.

• To strengthen their roster, the Commanders acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel and left tackle Laremy Tunsil, aiming to enhance their offensive lineup around Daniels and compete as Super Bowl contenders.

• Rumors suggest the Commanders' ongoing efforts to improve their receiving options may lead to a trade with the Ravens for Rashod Bateman, following the Cowboys' earlier interest in the player before securing George Pickens.

• The Commanders' general manager, Adam Peters, is focused on surrounding Daniels with top-tier talent, as evidenced by their strategic acquisitions, positioning the team as aggressive contenders in the upcoming season.

• Despite the Ravens' offensive success and returning key players, the potential trade of Bateman reflects both teams' strategic maneuvers to enhance their chances of reaching the Super Bowl, with the Commanders particularly active in the market.

• The Baltimore Ravens have made the playoffs six out of the last seven seasons, while the Washington Commanders struggled for decades but put the NFL notice in 2024 finishing the year with a (12-5) record and making an unexpected run to the NFC Championship game.

• Both teams — although they play in different conferences — are considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders heading into 2025. The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the top teams in the AFC since Lamar Jackson took over as the team’s franchise QB, and despite winning two NFL MVP awards, the dual-threat QB hasn’t been able to get past the gauntlet in the conference that has been dominated by the Chiefs. 

• The Ravens made it to the AFC Championship game in 2023, but were knocked off by Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City. 

• Still, on paper, it’s impossible to count the Ravens out. Last season, they boasted the top offense in the NFL averaging 425 yards per game under OC Todd Monken. Monken was given a contract extension and the Baltimore Ravens are returning every key contributor from last year’s squad. 

• The combination of Jackson and RB Derrick Henry forces defenses to constantly be on guard against either player running the ball, while still having to account for Jackson beating them over the top for a big passing play. After years of searching for capable receivers, the Ravens finally got solid production out of their core group of pass catchers last season. Zay Flowers cemented himself as a true No. 1 WR finishing the regular season with 74 catches for 1,059 yards, while averaging more than 14 yards per reception. 

• He only found the end zone four times during the regular season but the Ravens wideout earned Pro Bowl honors in his second NFL season. Flowers’ production — and the constant threat of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely as two of the best receiving tight ends in the league — opened up opportunities for Rashod Bateman, who the Ravens have been hoping would step up since they drafted him in the first round back in 2021. 

• Injuries and other factors held Bateman back during the first three years of his career, but the Ravens wideout was clutch in 2024, finishing the year with 756 yards and nine touchdowns. His knack for finding the end zone was huge for Baltimore and he added another two scores in the playoffs. 

• Meanwhile, roughly 30 miles down the road, the Commanders shocked the entire NFL by putting together their best season since 1991, largely due to Jayden Daniels putting together a historic rookie campaign as the team’s new QB. Daniels led Washington to five wins when they were trailing in the final two minutes of the game and proved he had the clutch gene the best QBs in the league have. 

• Washington has made a point to surround Daniels with as much talent as possible this offseason. The Commanders traded for WR Deebo Samuel from the 49ers and then pulled off a surprising move to land 6-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil in a deal with the Texans. 

• The duo of Terry McLaurin and Samuel should rank as a top 10 WR group in the NFL, but it’s been evident that GM Adam Peters is trying to surround the second-year signal caller with as many weapons as possible. 

• So it shouldn’t be surprise that Washington is a team that is rumored to have interest in adding another WR and one prediction has the Commanders making a deal with the Ravens to make it happen. 

• After reports surfaced that the Dallas Cowboys attempted to trade for Bateman before trading for George Pickens from the Steelers, there’s speculation the Ravens might move their No. 2 WR despite him coming off his best NFL season. 

• Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports thinks the Commanders could trade with Baltimore in a deal that would send Bateman to D.C. Here’s what he said: 

• Meanwhile, the Commanders are still rebuilding as well, even though they’re in a good place since they went to the NFC Championship Game last year. Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel are the two lockdown wide receivers for Jayden Daniels’ offense, but the third spot is still up for grabs despite signing Michael Gallup and bringing back Noah Brown. While Luke McCaffrey could break out, nobody should count on the Commanders being aggressive during the 2025 season and getting Bateman.