Lamar Jackson’s “favorite target,” the Baltimore Ravens, surfaced as unexpected trade bait.

The Baltimore Ravens’ offseason has taken a jarring and unexpected twist. Just months removed from a thrilling campaign that saw them earn the AFC’s No. 1 seed and come within a win of the Super Bowl, the team now finds itself at the center of surprising trade rumors. But it’s not just any player. One of the names reportedly being floated is none other than Lamar Jackson’s “favorite target”—a player who has come to symbolize the evolution of Baltimore’s offense under Todd Monken and the trust Jackson places in him.

The identity of the player? Wide receiver Zay Flowers.

A Budding Star in Charm City

After being drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Boston College, Flowers quickly emerged as one of Jackson’s most trusted weapons. With blazing speed, crisp route running, and a fearless approach to catching the football in traffic, Flowers put up 77 catches for 858 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie—impressive numbers in a traditionally run-heavy offense. More than the stats, however, it was clear how often Jackson looked his way in critical moments.

Whether on third downs or in the red zone, Flowers became a reliable safety valve and deep threat rolled into one. The chemistry between the young wideout and the 2023 NFL MVP was palpable.

So, why would the Ravens consider moving him?

The Business Side of the NFL

According to several NFL insiders, the Ravens have been receiving calls from teams interested in acquiring Zay Flowers—and they haven’t immediately shut down those conversations. Though the Ravens are not actively shopping him, sources suggest that Baltimore’s front office is open to “listening” on any player outside of Lamar Jackson, Roquan Smith, and Kyle Hamilton.

This shift in posture has sent shockwaves through the NFL landscape and incited concern among Ravens fans.

One executive anonymously remarked: “The Ravens aren’t dumb. They know what they have in Flowers. But with the way the receiver market is exploding, if someone offers a king’s ransom, you have to listen.”

Indeed, the wide receiver market has surged. With deals like A.J. Brown’s, Tyreek Hill’s, and Justin Jefferson’s expected upcoming mega-extension, teams are being forced to consider the future financial implications of investing in top-tier wideouts. Flowers, still on a rookie deal, could fetch an enormous haul if traded.

The Lamar Jackson Factor

The most perplexing part of the trade chatter is the direct connection Flowers has to Lamar Jackson. After the Ravens struggled for years to develop wide receiver talent and had been widely criticized for their inability to surround Jackson with weapons, Flowers was seen as a breakthrough.

In numerous postgame interviews and press conferences, Jackson referred to Flowers as “my guy,” “special,” and, most notably, “my favorite target.” Their connection extended beyond the field. Social media clips of the two working out together, joking in the locker room, and hyping each other up painted a picture of a relationship built on mutual respect and synergy.

Removing that dynamic—especially while the Ravens are in win-now mode—could risk unsettling the franchise quarterback.

“Taking away Lamar’s favorite target would be a calculated risk,” said a former Ravens assistant coach. “You better believe Eric DeCosta and John Harbaugh are factoring that into any conversation. Lamar is the face of the team and the reigning MVP. You don’t alienate your quarterback unless the offer is jaw-dropping.”

Possible Suitors

While no teams have confirmed their interest publicly, speculation has linked Flowers to several franchises in need of dynamic pass-catchers. Among them:

• New England Patriots: With a young quarterback situation and minimal star power at wide receiver, they could be aggressive, especially with new leadership under Jerod Mayo.
• Arizona Cardinals: Possessing two first-round picks and looking to give Kyler Murray a playmaker to pair with Marvin Harrison Jr., they might see Flowers as an ideal fit.
• Buffalo Bills: After trading Stefon Diggs, the Bills are quietly retooling their receiver room and could view Flowers as a long-term WR1 next to Josh Allen.
• Los Angeles Chargers: With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams now gone, Jim Harbaugh’s squad needs a face of the receiving corps.

The bidding war could drive up Flowers’ value, particularly with his team-friendly contract.

Offensive Identity at a Crossroads

Trading Flowers would dramatically reshape the Ravens’ offense. Though they have Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and recently signed veteran wideout Nelson Agholor, none possess Flowers’ dynamic ability to stretch the field vertically and horizontally.

In 2023, Baltimore’s offense saw a noticeable evolution. Under new coordinator Todd Monken, the Ravens ranked top five in scoring and improved their passing attack without sacrificing their rushing efficiency. Flowers was instrumental in that transformation.

If he’s moved, it raises questions about the Ravens’ long-term offensive strategy. Are they doubling down on Lamar Jackson as a dual-threat weapon, or are they considering a return to a more run-centric identity?

One league insider put it bluntly: “If they trade Zay Flowers, they better have another receiver lined up fast. You can’t pull a move like that and not give Lamar an equal or better weapon.”

The Emotional Toll

Beyond the Xs and Os, there’s the emotional component. In the NFL, relationships matter. Trust matters. And Flowers has earned both from Jackson.

Ravens fans still remember the tumultuous months of Jackson’s contract standoff with the front office, which included social media jabs and uncertainty over his future. Since then, the Ravens have bent over backward to empower him—not just with the massive extension, but with personnel moves and offensive schemes tailored to his strengths.

Trading his favorite receiver could re-open old wounds.

Jackson has not publicly commented on the rumors, but insiders suggest he was “surprised” by the reports. Whether or not that surprise turns to frustration will depend on how serious the Ravens are about moving Flowers—and what they get in return.

Front Office Juggling Act

General manager Eric DeCosta has a history of bold moves. Whether it was trading away Orlando Brown Jr., letting Hollywood Brown walk, or acquiring Roquan Smith midseason, he’s proven willing to make unpopular decisions if he believes they serve the greater good.

However, this situation may test that philosophy more than any before.

Trading Zay Flowers is not just about asset management or cap gymnastics. It’s a potential culture-altering decision. One that could impact locker room morale, fan sentiment, and—most importantly—the happiness of the team’s most valuable player.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Ravens’ interest in wide receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft is “notable.” That includes possible Day 1 and Day 2 targets, indicating that Baltimore is at least considering reshuffling the deck.

Still, multiple sources say any trade involving Flowers would require “at least a first-round pick and more”—a steep price that many contenders may be hesitant to pay, but one that could tempt a team desperate to accelerate a rebuild or surround a young quarterback with talent.

Fans React

As news of the potential trade gained traction, Ravens fans flooded social media with a mix of disbelief and anger.

“Trading Zay Flowers after one year would be peak Ravens sabotage,” one fan tweeted. “We finally get a WR1, and we’re shipping him off?? For what?! A 2026 second-round pick?”

Another posted: “If DeCosta trades Flowers, he better be ready to explain it directly to Lamar.”

On Reddit and fan forums, users questioned whether the team’s Super Bowl window was truly being prioritized, especially after falling short against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship.

The general consensus? Ravens fans want to build around Flowers and Jackson, not dismantle the core.

What Happens Next?

With the NFL Draft approaching, the next two weeks could prove pivotal.

• If Flowers is still on the roster after the draft, it may indicate the Ravens have firmly decided to keep him.
• If a team offers a high first-round pick (perhaps in the top 10), things could get very interesting.
• If the Ravens do trade him, expect a swift response in the form of either a high-profile draft pick or a veteran acquisition.

As always in the NFL, it’s a game of leverage, timing, and poker faces. But one thing is clear: the Ravens’ offseason is no longer quiet, and all eyes are now on Baltimore.

Lamar Jackson’s prime years are now. The Ravens are coming off their most successful season in nearly a decade. Zay Flowers looks like the exact kind of playmaker Baltimore fans have begged for. Trading him would not only risk on-field regression, but it could also strain the trust Jackson has built with the front office.

There’s still time for things to settle down. But if this smoke turns to fire, the Ravens could be at the center of one of the most surprising trades in recent NFL memory—and Jackson might be forced to watch his favorite target light it up in another uniform.

And if that happens, Baltimore may not just be trading a wide receiver. They might be trading a piece of their identity.