The Baltimore Ravens made a big move last week to upgrade their offense. They signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency, agreeing to a one-year deal worth up to $18 million. While Beckham hasn’t played since Super Bowl 56 in 2022, he is a big addition to Baltimore.
The Ravens had arguably the least inspiring wide receiver situation in the NFL coming into the offseason. It has long been a position the team has not poured assets into, but that needs to change if they want to contend in the AFC.
Beckham was a nice first step in the process, as he joins Nelson Agholor as new additions this offseason. Along with Rashod Bateman, things are finally coming together. But, if the opportunity to add more talent to the position arises, they have to strongly consider it.
Could that opportunity come in the form of DeAndre Hopkins? The Arizona Cardinals’ star wide receiver is reportedly available this offseason via trade as the Cardinals prepare to shake things up with a new general manager and head coach.
Despite already adding Beckham with a big price tag, don’t count the Ravens out of the Hopkins sweepstakes. According to Pacman Jones via JPAFootball, it is still possible that Baltimore pursues Hopkins. That duo is reportedly one that Lamar Jackson asked the team to acquire this offseason.
What was once viewed as a major need would become a strength of the team should Hopkins be added to the lineup alongside Beckham. Jackson, or whoever is under center in 2023 for the Ravens, would have a talented group of skill position players around him.
Hopkins, Beckham, Bateman and Agholor are a strong four-man group at the wide receiver position. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are a nice one-two punch out of the backfield and Mark Andrews remains one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Acquiring Hopkins would not only make the Ravens’ offense stronger, it would seemingly improve their chances of retaining Jackson long-term. That alone is worth checking in on as Jackson makes the Ravens a legitimate Super Bowl contender as long as he remains healthy.
