Ravens face challenge in attempting to upgrade wide receiver position

It is no secret that the Ravens are cash-strapped. After signing Lamar Jackson to the non-exclusive franchise tag, the Ravens have little wiggle room to bring on a top wide receiver for their superstar QB. 

But there are still receivers to be had through trade or free agency, including a number of talented options.

The Ravens have the fewest draft picks they've had since 1999, making a trade challenging. The issue of the cap will also be a hurdle to clear if Baltimore wants to bring on an established impact player.

DeAndre Hopkins is possibly the most notable name that has been floated as a potential trade target for the Ravens. Per ESPN's Jamison Henley, Arizona is looking for a "premium day two pick" in return for the star wideout. 

The Ravens do not have a second-round pick after trading theirs to Chicago for linebacker Roquan Smith. They would also need the Cardinals to absorb a chunk of Hopkins' $19.45 million cap hit for 2023. 

Broncos receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton have also reportedly received trade interest from teams, per Bleacher Report. While the Broncos remain steadfast that they won't trade either receiver, they are in a state of flux with a new head coach and could be tempted by a good enough offer. 

Sutton would provide the big-bodied pass catcher that Baltimore desperately needs. The 6-4, 216 pound receiver would be Jackson's over the middle option in tandem with Rashod Bateman as their downfield threat. 

The Ravens would likely need to offer a first-round pick for Jeudy due to his age. Jeudy is only 23-years-old and put up an impressive season in 2022 considering the offensive woes the team faced. 

A trade for Sutton, Jeudy or Hopkins would cost the Ravens more draft picks. That means that either they would have only a small amount of picks in 2023 or they will have to start dipping into their 2024 picks, which could prove risky if Jackson ends up leaving. 

Odell Beckham Jr. is the name that has been most associated with Baltimore this offseason. Beckham did not play in 2022 after suffering a torn ACL in the Super Bowl. 

Beckham doesn't seem willing to play for a discount. Per Pro Football Talk, the former Pro Bowler tweeted he is not happy making just $4 million per year. Baltimore would not be able to go much higher than that $4 million price tag.

If Beckham's market is dry enough he could take a smaller deal over nothing. Many teams will be weary about paying a WR who is 30 with an injury history, so his options may be to play for less than he would prefer or to not play at all.

The Ravens will have to bolster their receiver room with some sort of veteran presence. If Baltimore wants to stay competitive in a packed AFC they will have to make moves for one or more talented WRs.