Are the Ravens a Strong Trade Fit for the Rams Pro Bowl Receiver?
The NFL offseason has been in full swing for most teams, with the 2024-25 season officially coming to an end this Sunday night in the Eagles vs. Chiefs Super Bowl matchup. As teams have already started looking ahead to the new league year and free agency, which gets underway on Wednesday, March 12th, front offices around the league are working to generate more cap space in hopes of improving their flexibility for next season. One of those teams is the Los Angeles Rams, who are actively looking to trade their former 2021 All-Pro receiver, Cooper Kupp. Kupp has one of the highest cap hits among NFL receivers, at nearly $30 million for next season. The veteran wideout broke the news on Monday night on X via a statement, saying, “I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.” With the Rams now actively looking to trade one of their most accomplished receivers in franchise history, several Super Bowl contenders will likely be eyeing a deal with Los Angeles to strengthen their wide receiver core.
One of the teams that could be a potential trade partner for the 31-year-old receiver is the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens, coming off a disappointing playoff exit last month against the Bills, boast one of the league’s most potent offenses, having led the NFL in total yards, rushing yards, and the third-most points per game last season. The addition of the former Super Bowl 56 MVP would significantly benefit the Ravens, as Kupp would join an explosive offense, providing them with additional firepower and depth at the wide receiver position. Baltimore's passing attack has been bolstered in recent seasons by the emergence of young talents like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Most notably, Flowers, in his second season, became the first Ravens wide receiver to surpass 1,000 receiving yards since Marquise Brown in 2021 and earned his first Pro Bowl selection, marking the first time in franchise history a Ravens receiver received Pro Bowl honors. Along with Flowers' success, Bateman, who signed an extension last offseason, was aiming to showcase his playmaking abilities after being limited by injuries and inconsistent play in his first three NFL seasons. Last season, Bateman emerged as a solid number two option for quarterback Lamar Jackson, finishing with career highs in both receiving yards, 756, and touchdown catches, nine.
If the Ravens and general manager Eric DeCosta were to strike a deal with the Rams, the addition of the eight-year starter could potentially elevate Baltimore’s passing game to new heights. With his elite route running and ability to make contested catches, Kupp would complement the talents of both Flowers and Bateman. Kupp’s proven track record, including his historic 2021 season in which he led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches, also known as the receiving Triple Crown, would provide Baltimore with a veteran presence in their young wide receiver group. The only reason Baltimore’s front office might hesitate to make the trade would be Kupp’s recent injury history. Since his historic 2021 season, Kupp has been unable to complete a full season, dealing with injuries such as ankle and hamstring issues. However, when healthy, Kupp has proven to be a premier wideout, and it would be wise for Baltimore to strongly consider a trade. Kupp would provide much-needed depth, which was on display during the postseason due to Flowers’ absence, and would further elevate their Super Bowl aspirations heading into next season.
