Rashod Bateman, the Ravens’ WR2, who is currently getting paid over $12 million a year through 2029, has to go. He was drafted back in 2021 and had a scouting report as a receiver with good size, good route-running, and good hands. Since being drafted, he has shown flashes of the receiver he could be. Just look at the 2024 season, when he went for a career-high 756 yards and 9 touchdowns.
But outside of that one year, he has been highly ineffective, with him only hitting over 500 yards once, and that was back in 2021 during his rookie year. Time after time, Bateman disappears during games and often isn’t in sync with the rest of the team.
One of the biggest gripes about Bateman is his inability to show up when the team needs him most. A good example is the Ravens’ 24-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Bateman went off, catching 7 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown, but instead of being remembered for putting up a good performance against a good Saints defense. Many fans are still upset with his effort during the final play of the game.
Getting Passed by a Rookie
In the 2026 Draft, it was clear the Ravens needed to upgrade their receiving core. Going back to the 25-26 season, Bateman was expected to take a big step as the WR2 behind Zay Flowers. Instead of breaking out, the player who was projected to be the team’s No. 2 wide receiver finished the season with only 224 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Last year’s performance made it clear to the Ravens they need an upgrade at receiver. So in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Ravens selected two receivers: Ja’Kobi Lane of USC in the third round (80th overall) and Elijah Sarratt of Indiana in the fourth round (115th overall).
Once again, Bateman was expected to be the WR2 even after last season’s abysmal performance. But in training camp, Ja’Kobi Lane consistently flashed during the offseason and into camp; all you heard was how good Lane was. Fans are now clamoring for Lane to replace Bateman as WR2.
Things took a turn for the Ravens during week one of the opening season. This was when promising rookie Lane fractured his wrist and had to go on injured reserve. Star wideout Zay Flowers also aggravated his hamstring. After the Ravens lost both players in the first half against the Colts, expectations were that Bateman would step up. But instead, he finished the game with 0 catches and 0 yards on 1 target. At the same time, he bounced back for the most part, aside from the last play against the Saints. Bateman still leaves a lot to be desired for Ravens fans.
Fans Want Harrison
With both Flowers and Lane injured, fans have been clamoring for the Ravens to trade for a former first-round pick. Marvin Harrison Jr. was drafted in 2024 with the fourth overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals. After an outstanding college career, expectations were that he would be the next superstar receiver. Since being drafted, he has failed to take the WR1 job, which now belongs to Michael Wilson, who has taken it in stride.
Coming out of Ohio State, Harrison was best known for elite route running. But since entering the NFL, he has been a massive disappointment to fans. Entering a crucial Year 3 with the team, he has done very little with the Cardinals’ offense through the first two weeks of the season. Through two games, he has one catch for 33 yards. Meanwhile, five different players have more catches than Harrison, including two Cardinals running backs.
It’s been especially rough for Cardinals fans because he had all the hype coming out of the draft, and he is also the son of Colts Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison.
What Should the Ravens Give up for Harrison?
Many fans are done with Bateman, and Harrison looks like a bust for the Cardinals. Rumors are starting to swirl online that the Ravens should take the chance and make the trade for Harrison.
One trade the Ravens could go with is to send Bateman and a third-round pick to the Cardinals. This would work well for both teams since Bateman is contracted till 2029, while Harrison is under his rookie contract till 2028 and gets good value for a player that seems to look worse and worse as time goes on.
Even if Baltimore doesn’t end up trading Bateman, it’s clear the team needs to move on.
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