Ravens' most divisive weapon may finally silence the Stefon Diggs debate

Ebony Bird · Jul 20, 2026 13:00 · 3 min read

Ravens' most divisive weapon may finally silence the Stefon Diggs debate — New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Baltimore Ravens have been a heavily-rumored landing spot for Stefon Diggs, but the re-emergence of a polarizing weapon could silence those talks.

If you’ve been following the Baltimore Ravens’ offseason, you’d know it’s been a wild ride. From deep disappointment to intense excitement, they’ve really had it all. But even after a successful several months that seem to have culminated in the signing of potential starting center Ethan Pocic, people want more.

That more appears to be Stefon Diggs. The Ravens lack proven depth at receiver, and as a result, Diggs has been heavily linked to Baltimore ever since he was released by the New England Patriots. Whether you believe that Eric DeCosta should pursue him is besides the point; what you must admit is the Ravens might not have room for him.

A big key to ending the Diggs chatter is the emergence of young wide receivers Devontez Walker, Ja’Kobi Lane, and Elijah Sarratt. The man who could truly end the debate, though? Polarizing wideout Rashod Bateman.

Baltimore Ravens need Rashod Bateman to prove they don’t need Stefon Diggs

On paper, adding a player like Diggs provides statistical value. He proved he can still be productive even coming off an ACL tear, as he tallied 85 receptions for 1,013 in his lone season with the Patriots in 2025. However, those numbers were incredibly sporadic, which could signal a potential regression curve on the way.

Of course, even if Diggs takes a slight step back in this upcoming year, he might still be a better weapon than Bateman. Bateman has been incredibly inconsistent across his career. The Minnesota product is coming off the biggest disappointment of his career, totaling a shockingly bad 19 receptions and 224 yards after signing a three-year, $36.75 million contract in the offseason prior.

That letdown is a big reason why some Ravens fans want Diggs in Charm City. However, if Bateman can prove he can get back to business in 2026, then there’d be no reason to sign Diggs, or any wide receiver for that matter.

Eric DeCosta believes that Bateman can return to form, too. In an interview with Cordell Woodland and Vinny Cerrato on 105.7 The Fan, DeCosta highlighted the belief that the organization has in Bateman entering a pivotal season.

“I’m really, really excited to see how [Bateman] does this year with Declan [Doyle] in this offense,” DeCosta said. “Last year was kind of a lost season in some ways, but that’s no indication of the type of player that we think he is and how he can help us…He’s a playmaker, and I expect him to have a great year this year.”

That mention of new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle might be the greatest gift for Bateman. The 26-year-old has flashed as the team’s top deep threat, and with Doyle set to bring a greater play-action usage to Baltimore, more time will open up for Bateman to create separation and make plays.

Up to this point in his five-year NFL tenure, Bateman has only amassed over 500 yards twice, and more than two touchdowns just once. Looking at that trend, there’s a real chance that the 2024 campaign that saw him tally 756 yards and nine touchdowns was just a flash in the pan. However, with better health for Bateman and the rest of the team, along with the arrival of Doyle, we could see Bateman rebound.

Sure, Diggs has the flashy name value, but rolling with Bateman and the rest of the wide receiver unit may prove to be the better decision.