The Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens both have a problem that they could help each other out with, but it would mean that some drastic measures would have to be taken. Both teams have a receiver issue. The Lions need an outside guy and the Ravens need a slot guy. So why not make a deal? Here's what we're proposing:
Lions get: Devontez Walker
Ravens get: Kalif Raymond and a 2025 fifth-round pick
Ok, lets talk it out from the Ravens angle first. The Ravens have a pretty good outside receiver set up with Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers and Tylan Wallace. All have looked impressive this summer. Walker has been dealing with a rib injury and been pretty quiet while everyone moves ahead of him. Even if he was fully healthy it seems like he'd be fourth on the chart.
Where the Ravens struggle is at the slot. Right now they have Nelson Ahgolor penciled in there and it's been a while since the 31-year-old receiver has had a big year. Raymond is an instant upgrade for Baltimore and makes their offense even more dangerous with his yards after the catch ability. He was the Lions leading receiver in 2021 and then their number two guy in 2022. Last year he started to get phased out, but still had a good season. The Ravens are scary with Raymond.
Why it works for the Lions is simple. They were dying for someone to step up and play the WR3 role this summer and nobody did it. Walker could walk right into that role and start immediately for Detroit. He would be better off here than he would be there since he gets to play immediately in Detroit.
Losing Raymond would suck, but the Lions already have the best slot receiver in the game in Amon-Ra St. Brown. Plus, while Raymond can do some fun things, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Willaims and Sione Vaki can all do those same exact things. It's probably why Raymond started to get phased out last year.
This would also open up a spot for Isaiah Williams to make the roster since the only thing really holding that back now is that the Lions are deep at the slot. He can do things that Raymond can do at a significantly cheaper price and is younger. So the Lions can build him up over time.
Everyone wins on this deal. The Lions right a wrong from this year's draft by getting a receiver from this year's draft and get the X guy they've been needing and actually showed interest in while the Ravens make their offense even scarier than it already was with Raymond.
The reason the Lions give up the player and the pick is because it's the Ravens that are trading away the 23-year-old player they just drafted here. Raymond is good and can continue to be good, but he is 30.
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