Do the Ravens need a veteran presence in the wide receiver room? Here are five veterans for them to consider adding to their offense before the season starts.
The Ravens currently do not have a veteran wide receiver on the team. Having a veteran presence on the team is beneficial for Lamar to have another target. Currently, with the season approaching, the team’s top option figures to be last year’s rookie, Rashod Bateman. Devin Duvernay, a third-rounder in 2020, and James Proche, a sixth-rounder in 2020, round out the top three wideout spots right now. If the Ravens look outside of the organization, here are five players they could target.
Five Receivers For The Ravens To Target Before The Season Starts
Will Fuller V
Fuller is the youngest player on this list and would be a great target for both his age and speed. His brother, Kyle, is currently on the team and this could add to team chemistry. Adding Fuller would give Baltimore a deep threat target down the field. His best season was in 2020 with the Texans when he caught eight touchdowns and tallied over 800 receiving yards. He did have a suspension for PED that lasted six games, but Fuller could be a great low-risk high reward pickup.
T.Y. Hilton
The team did try to sign Hilton, who was reportedly seconds away from signing with the team but opted to stay with the Colts instead. Now a free agent, the team could once again try to sign the veteran wide receiver for a low cost. His production numbers have diminished since having five seasons of over 1000 yards. Hilton would make a great signing for the Ravens since he brings veteran experience and would be a deep threat target for Lamar.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Last season showed us that Beckham can still play at a high level. After signing with the Rams, the super bowl champion caught five touchdowns and had over 500 yards receiving. Signing Beckham would give the Ravens a proven veteran big-bodied threat on the field. Coming off a torn ACL injury, the wide receiver can still play at a high level. Beckham would be a target for the Ravens since he would be a great investment for the Ravens. The biggest problem with a Beckham signing would be his injury timeline. He may not play until late in the season.
Darius Slayton
Slayton, who is currently signed with the New York Giants and buried on the wide receiver depth chart, would be a great trade target for the Ravens. The playmaker is young and primed for a breakout season after five starts for over 300 yards and two touchdowns last season. Adding him would be a low-cost trade since the Ravens could offer a sixth-round pick for him. This could also be another low-risk high reward player to add. There has been a lot of talk about the Ravens being a great fit for him so it would not be surprising if this deal actually came into fruition.
Emmanuel Sanders
The last player on this list is Emmanual Sanders. The big-bodied wide receiver is coming off a four-touchdown, 626-yard season with the Buffalo Bills. Even at 35, he is still playing at a high level. Signing the former third-round pick would benefit the Ravens greatly. He can be utilized in the end zone and provide Lamar with another target. Sanders can get upfield despite his age and is a great run blocker as well. Emmanuel Sanders would be a perfect match for the Ravens.
The Ravens Have Options At Wide Receiver, Do They Make Moves?
The Ravens have options and time. With the second preseason game on Sunday, the team will have time to further evaluate their current wide receiver lineup. They could opt to keep their current setup, but it would make more sense to sign a wide receiver. Rather than trade for Darius Slayton and waste a draft pick, it would be better to sign a low-cost free agent given their salary cap.
From the list of receivers, Beckham and Sanders would be the best two free agent wide receivers the Ravens could add. Both bring veteran status, are big-bodied targets, and are playing at a high level. Plus, how fun would it be to see either of these two players on the team? The Ravens are favorites to win the AFC North this year and possibly go to the Super Bowl. Adding one of these wide receivers would provide another target for Lamar Jackson and help the team reach their goal.
