Could the Chargers target Ravens WR after trading Diontae Johnson?

One of the most popular pre-deadline trade candidates for the Los Angeles Chargers, Diontae Johnson, is now a member of the Baltimore Ravens.

But could this be a trade target for the Ravens that the Chargers could consider?

It's fair to say that there are untouchables among Lamar Jackson's opponents on the Ravens (tight end Mark Andrews, wideout Zay Flowers). But there is also Rashod Bateman.

Bateman, a first-round pick in 2021, has never lived up to that draft slot, and trading for Johnson in some ways says it all about how the Ravens feel about his abilities as the No. 2 option for a team that has one Super Bowl is about to win. In four seasons he has shot just 115 of 187 targets, and that was just last weekend Crap likely helped encourage the Ravens to hit the trade phones:

However, it probably wouldn't be too costly for Bateman if the Chargers sought a change of scenery that would help him realize some of his first-round potential. He signed a contract extension last offseason, but it's effectively a one-year deal with a stipulated loss after the season.

This new Chargers regime has been very good at finding rehab projects (Poona Ford, Elijah Molden, etc.) and already helping them succeed. Adding Bateman as an option as rookie Ladd McConkey continues his breakthrough and DJ Chark finally becomes available would reduce the reliance on names like Josh Palmer – a guy the team reportedly could be done with anyway.

If the Chargers were to make a move and Bateman succeeds, it would reduce a major need the team faces next offseason, and frankly, it would mean he is a former first-rounder on a cap-sized contract. Hit exceeds, which is just under $8 million annually by 2026.

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