Potential Suitor for Former Steelers 4th-Round Wide Receiver Named: Ravens
Now that the draft is behind us and the bulk of free agency has passed, teams will scan the market to find potential camp rivals or players to fill in gaps. The Baltimore Ravens haven’t done much to strengthen their wide receiver corps this offseason, so they still have a slight need there.
Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports speculated that the Ravens “may have interest” in free agent wide receiver Martavis Bryant.
After being released, 2,100-yard free agent and former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys Martavis Bryant is anticipated to draw interest from teams, according to Palacios.
The Ravens may need to add more firepower if they hope to defeat the defending Super Bowl champions, as they recently lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC conference championship.
As Palacios said, “Odell Beckham Jr. was the team’s seasoned assist, but he is no longer with them, so they could need to find a successor in Bryant.
Other teams that Palacios mentioned as possible destinations for the veteran wide receiver were the Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, and New Orleans Saints.
“He will see his first NFL snaps since the 2018 season if he does sign and play with a team this season,” notes Palacios.
It May Be Martavis Bryant’s Final Chance
Since the wide receiver was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Bryant’s career has been nothing but ups and downs.
But there was controversy throughout his stint in Pittsburgh. “He spent the 2014–2017 season with the Steelers, appearing in only 36 games due to various drug-related suspensions,” says Palacios.
Bryant missed the whole 2016 season because of a suspension, even though he finished the 2015 season with 50 receptions for 765 receiving yards in just 11 games. Prior to the 2017 campaign, the Steelers traded Bryant to the Raiders, although Palacios clarified that they were addressing off-field concerns that kept Bryant from participating.
“He was able to contribute, notching 126 balls for 1,917 yards and 17 touchdowns prior to his trade,” stated Palacios. It was clear that he could contribute while he was on the field.
Bryant hasn’t appeared on the field since the 2018 Raiders season. The Cowboys brought in the contentious receiver with the intention of giving him a chance to restart his career, but Palacios argued that the team never did. But the 32-year-old may not have much more left in the tank because time is running out.
Bryant is not the speed demon he once was at 32, but it could be worthwhile to give it a shot to see how much more he can offer.
The Ravens Wide Receiver Room Appears a Little Empty Although it seemed unlikely, the Miami Dolphins were able to acquire the experienced receiver Beckham from the Ravens. Although Zay Flowers had a great rookie season and is about to enter his second year, he might need some assistance.
“The Ravens want to avoid Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews taking all of the catches this year,” stated Palacios.
In terms of who could land the No. 2 wide receiver position after Flowers, the depth chart becomes a little erratic. Rashod Bateman was able to be re-signed, but Palacios cautioned that his history of injuries could cause problems in the middle of the season.
Nelson Agholor, who contributed crucial snaps the previous season, is another player the Ravens have, but it’s uncertain how he would do in the No. 2 role. WR Devontez Walker, another rookie selected by the Ravens in the fourth round, is similarly unlikely to be able to assume that role immediately.
“Adding Bryant could provide some relief to every receiver on the corp,” noted Palacios.
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