The Baltimore Ravens are in a standoff with quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had the non-exclusive franchise tag placed on him. He has made the most of the lack of weapons throughout his career, but whether he is the starter in 2023 or it is someone else, this is a team that has to change its philosophy.
Baltimore has to figure out a way to upgrade their weapons in the passing game this offseason. For years, they have opted against putting many assets into the position, but that is something that has to change this offseason.
The Ravens are notoriously frugal when it comes to wide receiver, not investing many prime draft picks or money in free agency to the position. Last season they traded their No. 1 option, Marquise Brown, to the Arizona Cardinals for a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. That led to Demarcus Robinson being the team’s leading wide receiver.
Thus far this offseason, the team has been linked to a number of wide receivers. In free agency, they are one of the teams that have been connected to Odell Beckham Jr. On the trade market, DeAndre Hopkins and Courtland Sutton have been mentioned as targets.
Just under two weeks ago, it was reported that the Denver Broncos’ asking price for Sutton was still too high. Part of the reason is that Sutton isn’t viewed as a No. 1 receiver, which will knock down what teams are willing to offer.
What could a trade between the Ravens and Broncos look like? Baltimore could offer a fourth and fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Given Sutton’s contract, as the team acquiring him will be taking on $14 million in base salary, it will limit how much is being offered in trades.
Denver may be seeking a Day 2 pick, but given Sutton’s injury history mixed with underwhelming production in recent years, they are unlikely to have that asking price met. Getting two picks and clearing his cap off the books in 2024 and 2025 could be considered a win for the Broncos.
For the Ravens, they take a chance on Sutton regaining the form he showed in 2019 when he made the Pro Bowl. Inconsistent quarterback play has plagued Sutton as much as his injuries, which would be alleviated if Jackson returns.
Pairing Sutton with Rashod Bateman at wide receiver and Mark Andrews at tight end would bolster Baltimore’s passing attack. But, if things don’t go well in 2023, the Ravens could move on from Sutton after the 2023 season, as his contract carries only $7.65 million in dead cap.
