With the major wave of free agency over and the draft in the rearview mirror, teams will look around to see who is available to fill gaps or generate potential camp competitions. The Baltimore Ravens still have a surprising need at wide receiver, as they have done little this offseason to enhance the position.
Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports suggested that the Ravens “could have interest” in free agent wide receiver Martavis Bryant.
According to Palacios, “2,100-yard free agent and former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, Martavis Bryant is expected to have interest from teams after his release.”
The Ravens are coming off an AFC conference championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and may need to add some firepower to take on the reigning Super Bowl champs.
Palacios stated, “Odell Beckham Jr. was the team’s veteran help, but he is no longer there, therefore they may need someone like Bryant as a replacement.
Palacios mentioned the Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, and New Orleans Saints as probable destinations for the veteran wide out.
“If he does sign and play with a team this season, he’ll see his first NFL snaps since the 2018 season,” Palacios says.
Martavis Bryant Could Be Down to His Last Chance
Bryant’s career has been anything but steady since the Steelers chose him in the fourth round in 2014.
However, his tenure in Pittsburgh was fraught with scandal. According to Palacios, “He spent the 2014-2017 campaign with the Steelers, only appearing in 36 games due to various drug-related suspensions.”
Bryant missed the whole 2016 season due to a suspension, despite having 50 catches for 765 receiving yards in only 11 games in 2015. “The Steelers traded him to the Raiders ahead of the 2017 season but were dealing with Bryant’s off-field issues that prevented him from playing,” Palacios said.
As stated by Palacios, “He was able to contribute, notching 126 balls for 1,917 yards and 17 touchdowns before his trade.” When he was on the field, his capacity to contribute was clear.
Bryant has not played since his season with the Raiders in 2018. Palacios stated, “The Cowboys were bringing in the controversial receiver for a chance to restart his career, but they never gave him that chance. However, the 32-year-old is running out of time, and there may not be much left in the tank.
At 32 years old, Bryant is no longer the speedster he once was, but it may be worthwhile to see how much he can still contribute.
Ravens WR Room Is Looking a Little Thin Currently
The Ravens lost their experienced receiver, Beckham, to the Miami Dolphins, and it was improbable that they would get him back. Zay Flowers will be entering his second year, and while he had tremendous talent in his first season, he might use some assistance.
stated Palacios, “One thing that the Ravens want to avoid is Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews taking all of the catches this year.”
After Flowers, the depth chart becomes somewhat questionable in terms of who could secure the No. 2 WR position. “They were able to re-sign Rashod Bateman but his track record of injuries may become an issue midseason,” Palacios said.
The Ravens also have Nelson Agholor, who contributed crucial snaps last season, but it is unknown how he would do in the No. 2 role. The Ravens also recruited a rookie, WR Devontez Walker, in the fourth round, but he is unlikely to fill that role straight away.
According to Palacios, “Adding Bryant could provide some relief to every receiver on the corp.”
