Baltimore, MD – July 3, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens have secured a critical weapon from their 2025 draft class, signing their third-round wide receiver to a surprisingly modest rookie contract after weeks of internal tension, sources told ESPN. With training camp approaching, the deal signals a dramatic turn for a player once rumored to sit out, amplifying Ravens fans’ hopes for a Super Bowl breakthrough.
The rookie wideout, selected 93rd overall, was rumored to be considering skipping the 2025 season and re-entering the 2026 NFL Draft in search of a more lucrative deal. But his decision to sign — and at a team-friendly price — reflects a deepening commitment to championship goals over personal leverage, per The Athletic.
That rookie is Devontez Walker, the 6-foot-2, 197-pound burner out of North Carolina. He opened up during an appearance on 105.7 The Fan: “There was a point where I thought, ‘Maybe I hold out, bet on myself, get paid next year.’ But then I thought — Lamar Jackson is in his prime, this team is built to win now. I want to be part of that. I want to help bring a ring to Baltimore.”
Walker, 22, signed a four-year, $5.68 million deal with only $1.3 million guaranteed, per Spotrac — significantly lower than the guarantees landed by other third-rounders like Dallas’ Jermaine Collins. His final college season included 921 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, with five scores coming on plays over 40 yards. He earned All-ACC honors in 2024 and clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
“Tez is a steal,” GM Eric DeCosta said, per Ravens Wire. “You don’t find that kind of speed and tracking ability every year. And he wants to win here — that’s the difference.”
Walker is expected to compete for reps alongside Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, offering a vertical threat that could reshape Baltimore’s passing attack. The Ravens ranked 18th in passing yards per game last season (210.7), and Walker’s presence may open deep lanes for Lamar Jackson while freeing up space underneath for Mark Andrews and the new-look run game with Derrick Henry.
His contract standoff was part of a broader logjam among Day 2 picks — 27 remained unsigned as of June 25 due to guaranteed-money disputes. Some insiders compared Walker’s stance to DeSean Jackson’s 2008 rookie negotiations, but ultimately, Baltimore’s title window and offensive vision under John Harbaugh were too persuasive.
Ravens fans celebrated his signing across social media. One user on X wrote, “Walker took less to catch bombs from Lamar — that’s a Raven right there!” His arrival, alongside Henry and a bolstered defense led by Roquan Smith, has Baltimore fans dreaming of a January showdown with Kansas City.
With the season opener against the Chargers set for September 5, Devontez Walker’s decision to sign on Baltimore’s terms may prove to be a masterstroke — not just for cap space, but for chemistry.
Stay tuned to ESPN for updates!
