The Baltimore Ravens might steal a quick wide receiver from a rival team.

The Baltimore Ravens Might Steal a Quick Wide Receiver from a Rival Team: What It Means for Their Offense

The Baltimore Ravens have consistently been known for their physicality, strong defense, and dominant running game. However, in recent years, the team has faced significant challenges in finding consistent playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, particularly at the wide receiver position. Despite the presence of dynamic talents like Lamar Jackson, who is often touted as one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, the Ravens have struggled to find reliable weapons for their star quarterback to throw to.

As the 2025 NFL offseason heats up, there are increasing rumors that the Baltimore Ravens could be targeting a quick, talented wide receiver from a division rival to help boost their passing game. This wide receiver, rumored to be from a team in the AFC North, could provide the Ravens with the speed, route-running ability, and playmaking skills needed to balance their offense and take their game to the next level.

In this article, we will explore the situation surrounding the Ravens’ wide receiver position, identify who the potential target is, examine the dynamics of their division rivals, and analyze how acquiring such a player could significantly impact the Ravens’ offense. We’ll also look into the broader implications for both the Ravens and the rival team, and what this move might mean for the AFC North and the league at large.

The Baltimore Ravens’ Need for a Quick, Playmaking Wide Receiver

In the modern NFL, a successful passing game is essential to a team’s overall offensive strategy. While the Ravens have built their offensive identity around a powerful rushing attack led by Lamar Jackson, this approach has at times made them predictable, especially when teams can stack the box and force Jackson to throw. While Jackson has shown incredible improvement in his passing game, his best performances often come when he has weapons on the outside who can stretch the field and force defenses to cover more ground.

In recent years, the Ravens have used a combination of Mark Andrews, their talented tight end, and several wide receivers like Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay to complement their ground game. However, the team has often lacked a consistent deep threat, particularly a player who can outrun defenders and turn short passes into explosive plays. This lack of explosiveness has been a glaring hole in the Ravens’ offense, limiting their ability to quickly put up points and forcing them to rely too much on their rushing attack.

The addition of a quick, explosive wide receiver to complement Jackson’s skill set could significantly elevate the Ravens’ offensive potential. A fast receiver capable of creating separation and picking up yards after the catch would add an entirely new dimension to their offense, especially on quick throws and deep routes. Furthermore, a speedy wideout would force opposing defenses to respect the pass more, preventing them from focusing solely on stopping the run or covering Andrews in the middle of the field.

Who Could the Ravens Target?

According to the rumors circulating, the Ravens are eyeing a player from a rival AFC North team—a wide receiver who has demonstrated impressive speed and playmaking ability throughout his career. The player in question is Diontae Johnson, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ standout wide receiver.

Johnson, a 4th-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has quickly become one of the most dynamic and reliable wide receivers in the AFC North. Known for his blazing speed, crisp route running, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Johnson has emerged as one of the focal points of the Steelers’ passing attack. Despite playing in an offense that has not always had the best quarterback play or offensive line support, Johnson has consistently found ways to get open and make plays. His ability to stretch the field and create separation makes him a dangerous weapon in both short-yardage and deep passing situations.

In 2024, Johnson finished with over 1,000 receiving yards, catching 90 passes and scoring several touchdowns. His quickness and separation from defenders make him a difficult matchup for cornerbacks, and his ability to make plays after the catch would give the Ravens a much-needed weapon on the outside. Johnson’s speed and agility would make him an ideal complement to Lamar Jackson’s dynamic skill set, giving the Ravens the explosive deep threat they’ve been searching for.

However, Johnson’s current situation in Pittsburgh has led to speculation about his future with the team. Though Johnson has been one of the most productive players for the Steelers in recent seasons, there have been signs that the Steelers are in the process of rebuilding. With a changing quarterback situation and a roster that’s undergoing some transitions, it’s possible that Pittsburgh could look to move Johnson in order to gain additional assets for the future. This creates a prime opportunity for the Ravens to swoop in and acquire a player who would immediately improve their offense.

Why Diontae Johnson Makes Sense for the Ravens

There are several key reasons why Diontae Johnson would be a perfect fit for the Baltimore Ravens:

1. Speed and Explosiveness

At the top of the list is Johnson’s speed. As mentioned, one of the biggest shortcomings of the Ravens’ offense has been their lack of a true deep threat. Johnson’s ability to take the top off a defense would stretch the field and open up more opportunities for both Jackson and the running backs. Whether it’s a go-route down the sideline or a crossing route that allows Johnson to use his speed to separate from defenders, his presence on the field would immediately change the way defenses approach the Ravens’ offense.

2. Ability to Make Plays After the Catch

Another area where Johnson would elevate the Ravens’ offense is his ability to make plays after the catch. Jackson often throws short, quick passes designed to pick up easy yards, and a player like Johnson—who excels at turning those short throws into big gains—would make those plays far more effective. With Johnson’s ability to break tackles and accelerate into open space, the Ravens would have a dynamic option that can create explosive plays with minimal risk.

3. Versatility and Route Running

Johnson is not just a deep threat—he is a complete wide receiver who runs crisp routes and can win in a variety of ways. Whether it’s getting open on short slants or running precise intermediate routes, Johnson has the versatility to fit into the Ravens’ offensive system. His ability to adjust to different routes would make him a more consistent weapon for Jackson, who has been looking for reliable options outside of the pocket.

4. Rivalry Dynamics: A Potential Power Shift in the AFC North

From a strategic standpoint, adding a player of Johnson’s caliber could give the Ravens a significant advantage over their AFC North rivals. The division has been known for its hard-nosed, physical play, and in recent years, the Ravens and Steelers have often been in direct competition for division titles. By stealing a top wide receiver from Pittsburgh, the Ravens would not only improve their own offense but would also diminish one of their fiercest competitors. This move could shift the balance of power within the AFC North, giving Baltimore a key edge heading into future seasons.

The Steelers’ Perspective: Why They Might Trade Johnson

From the Steelers’ perspective, parting with Diontae Johnson may be difficult, but it could make sense for several reasons. As previously mentioned, Pittsburgh is in a phase of roster reconstruction, and the team could be looking to build for the future. Moving a proven, established player like Johnson could allow the Steelers to gain draft capital or young assets that could contribute to their rebuilding process.

The Steelers also have several other wide receivers, including George Pickens, who has shown the potential to be a future star. By moving Johnson, the Steelers could give Pickens a larger role in the offense and focus on developing their younger talent. With a cap-friendly contract and a desire to invest in their future, trading Johnson could be a move that aligns with their long-term goals.

Financial Implications and the Trade Market

In terms of the financials, Johnson’s contract situation is also worth considering. As of 2024, Diontae Johnson has a three-year, $36 million deal with the Steelers, which includes manageable cap hits for the next few seasons. His contract is structured in such a way that a trade would not be difficult from a financial standpoint. The Ravens would likely be able to absorb Johnson’s contract without significant cap issues, especially if they move on from some of their own veteran players or restructure contracts to create space.

For the Ravens, acquiring a player like Johnson would be a rare opportunity to acquire an elite-level wide receiver in his prime without having to break the bank in free agency. This move would align with their strategy of strengthening their offense without sacrificing long-term financial flexibility.