Ravens could give Lamar Jackson elite deep threat in blockbuster trade this offseason

DK Metcalf, Giants, Ravens, Seahawks
Credit: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Ravens’ league-best rushing attack powered them to the Divisional Round of the AFC playoffs this season. Their passing attack was dangerous as well, led by likely three-time MVP QB Lamar Jackson. But if there is an area of improvement for Baltimore’s offense, it would be the passing attack, with injuries to the receiving corps during the season highlighting their lack of depth and overall talent at the position.

This offseason, the free agency and trade markets are expected to be littered with high-end wide receivers. If the Ravens want to find another luxury piece to their offense and transform their passing attack this offseason, they could check in with the Seattle Seahawks and see if a trade for Pro Bowler DK Metcalf is possible.

The Seattle Seahawks could be open to trading WR DK Metcalf

The emergence of Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba this season has led many to believe that Metcalf could become expendable. The two-time Pro Bowl wideout is entering the final year of his contract at 27 years old which could motivate Seattle to trade him away and allow another team to hand him a lofty long-term contract, rather than spending extra money at the wide receiver position.

DK Metcalf, Giants, Ravens, Seahawks
Credit: Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Metcalf’s lack of reported extension talks with the Seahawks has sparked speculation that he and Seattle are heading for a divorce. Rather than letting him walk for nothing as an unrestricted free agent in 2026, the Seahawks could opt to trade Metcalf this offseason and get a draft pick in return. For a Super Bowl-contending team like the Baltimore Ravens, Metcalf could be the perfect offseason target for them.

Should the Ravens trade for Metcalf?

Metcalf is one of the NFL’s best deep threats. Plugging him into the Ravens’ offense would open things up for each of their top playmakers. Having Metcalf on the outside and stretching the field vertically should force defenses to play with less stacked boxes, freeing up even more rushing lanes for Jackson and All-Pro running back Derrick Henry. It should also create more intermediate passing lanes and receiving opportunities for Zay Flowers, who does a lot of his work underneath and out of the slot.

DK Metcalf, Giants, Seahawks
Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, Jackson could maximize his deep passing abilities with Metcalf running open downfield. The Seahawks wideout scored all five of his receiving touchdowns in 2024 on deep targets 20+ air yards downfield. 489 of his 992 receiving yards and 16 of his 66 receptions on the season came on such targets. He also led the NFL with 32 deep receiving targets in 2024 per Pro Football Focus.

Adding Metcalf to the Ravens’ offense would diversify and amplify their passing attack. It would make their offense three-dimensional, giving them weapons to attack every area of the field.

Can the Ravens afford to trade for Metcalf?

However, trading for Metcalf would be easier said than done for the Ravens’ front office. According to Over the Cap, the Ravens are currently projected to have only $5.8 million in salary cap space this offseason. In order to afford a player like Metcalf, they would need to make some roster moves, cutting veteran players or restructuring contracts.

Nov 7, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA;  Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric Decosta one the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Restructuring Lamar Jackson’s contract could free up $15.8 million, restructuring Marlon Humphrey’s contract could free up $11.3 million, restructuring Roquan Smith’s contract could free up $9.1 million, and restructuring Nnamdi Madubuike’s contract could free up $5 million in cap space. Any of these moves could be made, combined with restructuring Metcalf’s deal or signing him to an extension while backloading his guarantees. But any and all of these moves would create future cap burdens for the Ravens to have to deal with over the course of the next several offseasons.

Metcalf is entering the final year of his deal but will be seeking a long-term extension that will put him under contract beyond the 2025 season. If the Ravens are unwilling to pay him, then making a trade to add Metcalf might not even be worth it. However, signing him to an extension could be a way to lower his 2025 cap hit.

The Ravens could make a splash by adding Metcalf to their roster this offseason. He would transform their offense and give them a ridiculous trio of playmakers when combined with Henry and Flowers. However, Baltimore’s frugal front office might not be willing to tie up so much future cap space to a 27-year-old wideout. But if they feel like Metcalf could be the missing piece to a championship-winning roster, then a deal should get done.

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