Baltimore Ravens acquire veteran receiver from Lions in proposed trade

The Baltimore Ravens have added several veteran wide receivers during training camp to try to bolster their receiver depth , but Mike Payton of A-Z Sports believes there is a beneficial trade with the Detroit Lions waiting to happen.

Payton proposed a mock trade where the Lions send veteran receiver Kalif Raymond and a fifth-round draft pick to the Ravens in exchange for rookie receiver Devontez Walker.

Payton argues that the Ravens could use a slot receiver.

"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."

Meanwhile, Payton argues that the Lions could use a deep, outside threat, which is more of Walker's skillset. Walker has been dealing with a rib injury that has severely limited his playing time and productivity during training camp and preseason.

Payton wrote that Walker could have a chance to play right away for the Lions, who are thin at receiver outside of Amon Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

It's unclear if the Ravens would view Raymond as enough of a difference-maker to part with a rookie receiver they just drafted in the fourth round. Raymond's two best seasons came in 2021 and 2022, when he had 576 yards and 616 yards, respectively, and 4 touchdowns, all scored in 2021. Last year, he had 35 catches for 489 yards and 1 touchdown. Raymond is now 30 years old.

While Walker hasn't had much impact so far, he is the type of big, deep, vertical threat the Ravens are hoping to develop into a downfield weapon.

Walker may never develop into a productive player, but even with a draft pick attached, it's hard to see the Ravens giving away a younger player for an older receiver whose peak was never that high.