The NFL offseason is always filled with speculation, rumors, and a variety of potential roster moves. However, as teams assess their needs heading into the new season, certain positions stand out as areas of concern. For the Baltimore Ravens, a team that has undergone significant changes and faces high expectations in 2023, one glaring need remains: a reliable and game-changing wide receiver. Despite adding some depth through the draft and free agency, the Ravens’ wide receiver room still lacks the type of elite talent that can elevate their passing attack and complement their dynamic quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
As the season progresses, the Ravens may look to fill that void through a trade. One name that has come up in connection with Baltimore is Green Bay Packers wide receiver, **Allen Lazard**. Lazard, who has emerged as a reliable and versatile target for Aaron Rodgers in recent seasons, could be the perfect player to help the Ravens solve their wide receiver problem and provide Jackson with the type of weapon that could take their offense to the next level. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Allen Lazard could be the ideal fit for Baltimore and how he could fill the Ravens’ most glaring need.
### The Ravens’ Wide Receiver Struggles
Heading into the 2023 season, the Ravens have undergone significant changes to their offensive structure. The most notable of these changes is the hiring of new offensive coordinator **Todd Monken**, who has promised a more pass-oriented attack. This is in contrast to the ground-heavy system that the team has employed in recent years, built around Lamar Jackson’s rushing ability and a strong offensive line. Under Monken, the Ravens will look to open up their passing game, which is an area that has historically been a weakness.
While Baltimore has some talent at wide receiver, their unit lacks a true No. 1 target. **Rashod Bateman** has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with injuries. **Odell Beckham Jr.**, once one of the NFL’s premier receivers, joined the Ravens in free agency but is now a few years removed from his best seasons and still working to regain his previous form after a major injury. **Zay Flowers**, the Ravens’ first-round draft pick, offers great potential but is still a rookie. Beyond that, the Ravens’ depth is thin, with several question marks surrounding the consistency and development of their other wideouts.
In short, the Ravens need a proven, reliable pass catcher who can consistently create separation, stretch the field, and provide Lamar Jackson with a trustworthy target in critical situations. This is where **Allen Lazard** could be an ideal solution.
### Why Allen Lazard Makes Sense for the Ravens
Allen Lazard has spent the past few seasons establishing himself as one of the more underrated wide receivers in the NFL. Playing in Green Bay for most of his career, Lazard developed into a trusted target for Aaron Rodgers, consistently contributing as both a red zone threat and a reliable downfield option. In 2022, Lazard posted a career-high 788 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns despite playing in a Packers offense that lacked consistency and struggled with injuries.
What makes Lazard such an appealing fit for the Ravens is his combination of size, strength, and skill set. At **6-foot-5** and **227 pounds**, Lazard brings a physical presence to the receiving corps that the Ravens sorely lack. His size allows him to win contested catches, especially in the red zone, where the Ravens have struggled to consistently convert on passing opportunities. Lazard’s ability to go up and get the ball in tight coverage makes him a valuable asset for Lamar Jackson, particularly when the Ravens find themselves in high-pressure situations.
Beyond his size, Lazard is also a skilled route runner. While not known for blazing speed, Lazard has a strong understanding of how to use his body to shield defenders and create separation at the top of routes. His ability to get open in the short to intermediate passing game would be beneficial for a Ravens offense that often leans on quick passes to move the ball efficiently. Additionally, Lazard is a versatile player who can line up outside or in the slot, providing flexibility for Monken as he schemes to maximize his weapons.
### Filling the Glaring Need
For the Ravens, the need for a wide receiver like Allen Lazard has never been more pressing. Lamar Jackson, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, has often had to overcome a lack of elite receiving talent around him. While the addition of Beckham and the emergence of Bateman and Flowers offer hope for the future, the Ravens need a proven, steady hand in the passing game — someone who can take pressure off of Jackson and consistently move the chains.
Lazard could step into this role immediately. As a reliable No. 2 receiver behind an emerging No. 1 in Bateman or Beckham, Lazard could take on a high-volume target share in key situations. Whether it’s converting third downs, scoring in the red zone, or stretching the field with a well-timed deep ball, Lazard would give the Ravens the type of player they can count on in a variety of situations.
Furthermore, Lazard’s presence would allow other receivers like Bateman and Flowers to thrive in more favorable matchups. With Lazard commanding attention from defenses, other playmakers on the Ravens’ roster could be freed up to make more explosive plays, creating a more balanced and unpredictable offense. For Jackson, having a reliable set of hands in Lazard would provide him with peace of mind, knowing that he has a big-bodied target who can go up and get the ball in traffic.
### The Potential Fit in Baltimore’s Offense
Todd Monken’s offensive system in Baltimore could be an excellent fit for Allen Lazard. Monken has a reputation for designing offenses that balance both the run and pass, and he often utilizes a variety of formations to create mismatches. Lazard’s versatility would allow Monken to move him around the field, creating opportunities for him to exploit weaker defenders or take advantage of mismatches in the secondary.
Monken’s system also emphasizes the use of play-action, which could be a perfect fit for Lazard. The Ravens’ dominant running game, led by Jackson and a deep stable of running backs, would naturally open up passing lanes for Lazard to work underneath or on intermediate routes. Additionally, Lazard’s ability to win contested catches would make him a dangerous target in play-action scenarios, where defenses are more likely to be caught off guard by the pass.
### The Packers’ Potential Trade
If the Ravens are serious about acquiring Lazard, the question becomes whether the Packers would be willing to part with him. Given Green Bay’s transition to a new era under quarterback **Jordan Love**, they may be looking to retool and could be open to trade offers for veteran players like Lazard. The Ravens, who have a solid group of draft picks and young players, could put together a compelling package to land the wideout.
The trade would be a mutually beneficial one for both teams. The Packers would get valuable assets to help with their rebuilding process, while the Ravens would get an immediate upgrade at wide receiver, making their offense more well-rounded and dynamic.
### Conclusion
The Ravens’ quest to find a reliable and impactful wide receiver could come to an end with the acquisition of Allen Lazard. His combination of size, skill, and experience makes him an ideal fit for Baltimore’s offensive needs, particularly with Lamar Jackson at the helm. If the Ravens can make a trade for Lazard, they would not only solidify their receiving corps but also provide Jackson with a trustworthy target that can elevate their passing game to new heights.
With the AFC as competitive as ever, the Ravens cannot afford to ignore their glaring need for a top-tier wide receiver. Allen Lazard could be the missing piece that makes Baltimore’s offense more dangerous and more balanced, giving them a legitimate shot at competing for a Super Bowl title in 2023.