It wasn't a major makeover, but there were some significant changes at the wide receiver position this offseason in Baltimore. DeAndre Hopkins saw his one-year contract with the Ravens expire, and he's currently still looking for his next club. Hopkins, 33, caught 22 balls for 330 yards in Charm City last season. Tylan Wallace also saw his time with the Ravens (five years to be exact) come to an end, and he signed a one-year deal with the division rival Cleveland Browns.
The top end of the position group remains the same, however, led by the unit's alpha dog, Zay Flowers. Earlier this month, the Ravens picked up his fifth-year option, worth $28 million, ensuring he stays with the club through this season and next.
Rashod Bateman remains your WR2, and there will be a competition for WR3. The dropoff from Flowers to these two is obviously very substantial. After the breakout season that everyone had been waiting for in 2024, Bateman had his most disappointing single season ever in 2025. So 2026 will be as critical as ever for him. Walker now enters his third season in the league, still not showing us much. His opportunities have been limited so far, but perhaps he didn't show the previous coaching staff enough in practice to warrant additional playing time?
Second-year man LaJohntay Wester was a contributor during his rookie season, but only on special teams. He's really a WR in name only, as his primary position is return specialist. So with that in mind, the opportunities will certainly be there for the duo selected by the Ravens this past weekend. If these two rookies can establish themselves early on, the chances for major minutes are right there for the taking.
Ja'Kobi Lane was selected in the third round, 80th overall, out of USC. This could end up being a steal of a pick, as Lane entered this season with arguably more NFL Draft stock than his Trojans teammate Makai Lemon. Obviously, Lemon went much higher, and for good reason, but Lane brings size and strength to the position, and a penchant for winning 50/50 balls. The same can be said for Sarratt, who's nicknamed "Waffle House" because he's "always open."
Given the lack of great nicknames in sports these days, we should strive to refer to Elijah Sarratt as Waffle House early and often. At least one of these two rookies should be able to make an immediate impact and add more production and consistency to a position group that certainly needs it.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens wide receiver depth chart has seen some major changes