As the 2023 NFL offseason goes, the Baltimore Ravens are facing several challenges in terms of their starting quarterback and offense. With reports indicating that the team is struggling to reach a contract extension agreement with Lamar Jackson, the Ravens are in dire need of upgrades on offense.
In this regard, the two best players the Ravens should target in trades this offseason are New York Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims and Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
A Solution to the Ravens’ Lack of Pass-Catchers
The Baltimore Ravens struggled with their passing game in the 2022 season, and they will be looking to address that issue in the 2023 NFL offseason. Tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely were productive for the Ravens, but the team’s wide receivers failed to make much of an impact.
Baltimore’s leading receiver in 2022 was Demarcus Robinson, who had only 48 catches for 458 yards. Devin Duvernay and Rashod Bateman were the second and third leading receivers, respectively, with even less production. This lack of production from the wide receiver position is simply unacceptable in the modern NFL, where teams need outside pass-catchers to keep defenses honest.
While the Ravens can address this issue through the draft, they may also want to consider trading for a wide receiver. One option that could be available in New York Jets’ Denzel Mims.
Mims had a disappointing start to the 2022 season, sitting out the first six games and requesting a trade. While the Jets didn’t grant his request, Mims did return for the last 10 of the season and caught 11 balls for 186 yards.
Coming out of Baylor as a second-round pick, Mims showed a lot of potentials. While he hasn’t yet lived up to that potential in the NFL, there is still hope that he could become a productive receiver. A change of scenery could be just what he needs to realize his potential.
Trading for Mims would likely not cost the Ravens much, and he could be a low-risk, high-reward option for the team. If he can tap into his potential, he could become a valuable asset for the Ravens’ passing game.
A New Quarterback for the Ravens
Targeting Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears could be a wise move for the Baltimore Ravens this NFL offseason. With the likelihood of Lamar Jackson leaving, Fields could provide the team with a talented young quarterback on a reasonable rookie contract for at least two more seasons, with the option for a fifth year.
Fields has shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, and while he has room for improvement, he could provide a similar dynamic style of play that Jackson brought to the Ravens in his early career.
Additionally, the Ravens could use the extra draft capital acquired from trading Jackson to further build their team through the draft, an area where the front office has historically excelled. With the right moves, the Ravens could quickly establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders once again.
