Free Agent Wide Receivers

[The Raven]

juanman7 lists all his picks and even mentions that one of them would be a good #2 receiver and another would be a good #3 receiver. What we need is a #1 receiver. That is what we do not have. Edelman is a very good slot receiver, but would cost a lot of money that is much too precious to us to be trying to spend on him. And he is probably not #1 material. Look, I love Torrey Smith, but ideally he is a #2 receiver. We need to Finally get that Stud receiver that we have lacked since time began. I don't see a legitimate #1 on the list of UFAs this year, and I think we have the opportunity to get one in the draft. There are several draftees coming out this year that, I believe, clearly show the potential to be a #1 receiver in the NFL. This year's draft is Deep at wr. And you know what? It wouldn't shock me if we tried to grab Ebron or Amaro, the TEs, before a wr. It all depends on whether or not we can re-sign Pitta. If not, we will be desperate for a TE, especially since Kubiac came on board. I really believe there are better receivers in the draft than there are in free agency. I still love Brandon Cooks, the best slot guy coming out. Another good slot receiver is Campanero, but I think Cooks is a good bit better. And Watkins, Lee, Matthew, and a couple others interest me more than Any of the FAs. It's going to be very, very interesting which way Ozzie goes this off season. This is the most interesting and crucial off season I think we've had in a long time. That's because we have so many serious needs as we retool this team. We need not just a home run, Oz. We need you to hit a grand slammer. Good luck, big guy.

 

I think people need to stop worrying so much about finding a "number one." It doesn't matter. At all. What you need is a set of receivers that complement each other. Right now, we need a possession WR and red zone guy. 

[Robbo15]

Kenny britt was behind wrs like nate Washington , Kendall and justin hunter he is ovverated look at his production if that doesn't speak for itself smh

[rmw10]

I don't think it makes any sense to sign any of these 1 year deal guys unless they're incredibly cheap and wouldn't prevent us from getting a draft pick some serious playing time.  Signing a guy to a 1 year deal puts us back in the same position next year. If he comes in and performs really well, he prices himself out of Baltimore since we're going to be putting up money for Torrey and Jimmy.  Back to needing a WR.  If he doesn't do well, back to needing a WR.  Unless there's an option out there that would be for multiple years at a reasonable amount, we're not signing anyone other than a depth WR or 2.  I don't see any guys like that in this year's FA class.  It's time to get the young guys in and let them build a rapport with Joe.  Unless we pick a project player, I'd much rather see a young WR out there than a stopgap for a year.

[redrum52]

Clearly you've never heard of Mark Clayton or Kelley Washington.

Kelley Washington wasn't that bad and Clayton was having a career year with Bradford til he was injured.

 

I personally feel we should avoid the FA receiver route as a whole and just draft a guy(s).  Cheaper, will get more out of them and won't carry the same baggage as most of the guys on this list.  I don't trust Decker.  Has had problems with drops and doesn't like when corners get physical.  Sound familiar?  Nicks has had injury problems as has Maclin and Britt.  Britt is also a head case and a potential locker room/off field issues.  Seems smarter to get o line in FA and get the WRs in the draft.  With the skill position talent in this draft it just seems to make more sense using our picks on those guys, picking up a FA C and maybe getting a RT later in the draft if the team doesn't think we have one on the roster already.

[Ravenslifer]

Kelley Washington wasn't that bad and Clayton was having a career year with Bradford til he was injured.

 

I personally feel we should avoid the FA receiver route as a whole and just draft a guy(s).  Cheaper, will get more out of them and won't carry the same baggage as most of the guys on this list.  I don't trust Decker.  Has had problems with drops and doesn't like when corners get physical.  Sound familiar?  Nicks has had injury problems as has Maclin and Britt.  Britt is also a head case and a potential locker room/off field issues.  Seems smarter to get o line in FA and get the WRs in the draft.  With the skill position talent in this draft it just seems to make more sense using our picks on those guys, picking up a FA C and maybe getting a RT later in the draft if the team doesn't think we have one on the roster already.

 

This point in particular has been discussed before, but Mark Clayton's target/reception ratio was unchanged - he had a "career year" because Bradford was throwing the ball to him and nobody else those first 5 games.  He was basically the same player he was here, just being force-fed the ball.  He was targeted 42 (on pace for over 120 targets) times in 5 games and caught 23 of the passes.  Joe only threw to him 74 times in all of 2009.  A similar situation occurred this year with Torrey - yes Torrey had a career year, but Joe threw to Torrey 137 times - he threw to Ed Dickson 43 times, Dallas Clark 52 times, Jacoby Jones 67 times, etc. over the course of the season.

[jazz1988]

This point in particular has been discussed before, but Mark Clayton's target/reception ratio was unchanged - he had a "career year" because Bradford was throwing the ball to him and nobody else those first 5 games.  He was basically the same player he was here, just being force-fed the ball.  He was targeted 42 (on pace for over 120 targets) times in 5 games and caught 23 of the passes.  Joe only threw to him 74 times in all of 2009.  A similar situation occurred this year with Torrey - yes Torrey had a career year, but Joe threw to Torrey 137 times - he threw to Ed Dickson 43 times, Dallas Clark 52 times, Jacoby Jones 67 times, etc. over the course of the season.

 

I think Mark Clayton is a perfect example of a player that just didn't fit our offensive system when we started running the Air Corydell under Cam Cameron . When Clayton had Stevie McNair throwing him the ball in the west coast offense he had 67 reception , 939 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. We all know after that McNair  just wasn't the same quarterback and  Clayton production dropped.  

 

 Mark Clayton  production should have went up since he had Flacco throwing him the ball but we was running a more vertical style offense. Clayton had speed but he just wasn't really a vertical threat or overall meant  for  a air corydell type offense unless you used him in the slot. Clayton was looking like he was on his way to reaching  his 2006 form or better when he was playing for The Rams and   at that time The Rams ran a west coast offense.  I could be wrong but if Clayton didn't get injuried the way he did then he could of had 1,000 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns for The Rams.

 

 I don't know what receiver the Ravens plan to sign  but hopefully its a receiver whom really fits the offensive coordinator scheme because there have been times when they signed or traded for a  receiver whom just don't fit what the offensive coordinator scheme.

[The Oakland Cathedral]

I'd love McCluster, Britt, or Edelman. In that order.

[BloodRaven]

Huge risk/reward factor with Kenny Britt. He has talent but he's not someone you can trust.

[rmw10]

Huge risk/reward factor with Kenny Britt. He has talent but he's not someone you can trust.

 

He's the type of guy you add in addition to a high draft pick.  If he comes at a 1 year, $0 or very low guaranteed deal, I'd take the chance on him.  He can't be the only solution.

[FerrariFan87]

Man, if we could get a Decker or Edelman and draft a guy like Benjamin or Evans, imagine the possibilities pairing them with Torrey and Pitta...

[SecretAgentMan]

Man, if we could get a Decker or Edelman and draft a guy like Benjamin or Evans, imagine the possibilities pairing them with Torrey and Pitta...

Don't have the cap unless we cut

Suggs

Leach

Koch

McClain.......

 

 

Then we still have to resign

Monroe

Pitta

Smith

 

 

Don't see the FA thing happening 

[Purple_ICE 81]

Man, if we could get a Decker or Edelman and draft a guy like Benjamin or Evans, imagine the possibilities pairing them with Torrey and Pitta...

But with 3000 yards and 33TDs through the past 4 seasons dont you consider it virtually impossible that the Ravens could afford Decker?  With the mammoth back-to-back seasons he had he could pretty much demand any type of money that he wants, I see him getting atleast the $60m contract Mike Wallace got last year but probably way more. And Julian Edelman has the production as well to demand a good amount of money should he hit FA.

[BloodRaven]

Golden Tate might be worth looking at too depending on his market, he's underrated for a playmaker with elite hands.

[Donte19]

I still rather have Britt, he was a top 5 WR in the league before he got injured, he was josh gordon type. He is big not sure how fast he is now. If their is no money guaranteed then I say do it, he wants to play and if he earns it then he can and I will say he will be a starter and make the tough catch red zone threat we need. Give me a break with all the Edelman stuff, i rather we not spend money on him, not even a dollar, i rather deonte and Doss

[TXRavensFan]

I think people need to stop worrying so much about finding a "number one." It doesn't matter. At all. What you need is a set of receivers that complement each other. Right now, we need a possession WR and red zone guy.

Makes me nostalgic for the days of Michael Jackson and Derrick Alexander.

[Tru11]

yeah most of the wrs might not even make FA.

 

and i doubt any are in our price range anyways.

 

its hilarious that people now all of sudden want edelman though.

 

last offseason he was an FA and no team considerd signing him and  he was cheap lol

[Ravenslifer]

yeah most of the wrs might not even make FA.

 

and i doubt any are in our price range anyways.

 

its hilarious that people now all of sudden want edelman though.

 

last offseason he was an FA and no team considerd signing him and  he was cheap lol

 

Yeah, I don't get the Edelman thing either - he's basically the same guy he's been since 2009, the difference is that he was forced into a starter's role with the injuries and FA losses the Patriots had this year.  He had more receptions and yards this year than in his entire career previously.

[ellicottraven]

As strange as it may sound, I think Marlon Brown will turn out to be a stud for us and end up becoming the #1 receiver perhaps if he develops at the same pace. However, I do believe between Aaron Mallette, Torrey Smith, Marlon Brown and Pitta with either a high draft pick TE or WR, we will be okay on targets for Joe... 

 

I expect the Ravens to only sign somebody that gets cut since that has become their draft strategy... and that isn't going to be Maclin or even Decker for that matter...

[PurpleCityLights]

I know there are a few threads on wide receivers, but I wanted to bring free agents to attention. I think there is a possibility we don't use our early round draft picks on a WR. Now, I'm not saying we will not draft weapons for Flacco, but it would not surprise me to see the Ravens find guy that already proven in the NFL

Jeremy Maclin is a talented, solid wide receiver, but sat out all of 2013 with a knee injury. He put up just under 900 yards in both 2011 and 2012, and is only 25 years old. Maclin is speedy and can also be used as a returner, which would take care of a void if the Ravens let Jacoby Jones walk. Also he is a smart receiver, scoring a 25 on his Wonderlic test, which is higher than average for WRs. If the Ravens sign him, it may only be to a 1 to 3 year deal. It would be a high-risk, high-reward as he will still be recovering when free agency hits. It would be fantastic to see Maclin as a Raven and he would be a great wide receiver next to Torrey Smith.

What receivers do you think the Ravens could pick up? Here is a full list

http://overthecap.com/freeagents.php?Position=WR&Year=2014

Wonderlic test means nothing......

[FastEddie]

I really don't think that this will end up happening considering we traded away our number one target to get younger with speed, but if I had to choose, Hakeem Nicks would be the only option I would consider IF he was in our price range.

 

Maclin is going to be back in philly.

 

Miles Austin would not be the best fit and probably to expensive.

 

Not impressed with James Jones.

 

Decker...maybe but I would rather draft a unproven prospect that could be better. Plus his production was pretty low this year and I hate the broncos.

[HoldingCall]

Hey, they cannot afford the price of a top quality receiver from FA so why bother with lesser quality. Last year's panic signings didn't save the season, Evans didn't help the year before, nor did T.J.H. the year before that. I do think they will bring in someone to compete (Kenny Britt comes to mind) but I expect they will mainly use the draft. I believe the team is in need of both, a dominant TE along with Pitta and a big, strong bodied WR.

 

Other than that, I still believe there are under used and unrecognized talents already on this team that hopefully Gary Kubiak can bring to the forefront. 

 

FYI, Looking over the Combine numbers, There are 49 WR invites, 22 TE, 59 DB, 36 RB, 50 OL, 57 DL, 45 LB, and 19 QB invites.

[fistfullwales]

Danario Alexander? I know he's injured (and often) and may not do much this coming year, however, he could be useful for the 2015 season and should be cheap. He's a monster when healthy.

[HoldingCall]

As strange as it may sound, I think Marlon Brown will turn out to be a stud for us and end up becoming the #1 receiver perhaps if he develops at the same pace. However, I do believe between Aaron Mallette, Torrey Smith, Marlon Brown and Pitta with either a high draft pick TE or WR, we will be okay on targets for Joe... 

 

I expect the Ravens to only sign somebody that gets cut since that has become their draft strategy... and that isn't going to be Maclin or even Decker for that matter...

I agree with this! Though it would be nice to have both a TE and WR, I wouldn't expect them to draft both. 

[Militant X 1]

I like Decker, Heyward-Bey, Britt, Cooper, Nicks and Meacham. 

 

All of these cats are big bodied receivers and have been in the league 4 years or less with the exception of Meachem with 6 years in.  Also, to me, they are already developing into nice receivers in the league whether that is due to their present system or not!

 

#Mili

[Robbo15]

Britt has talent yeah right imo a lot of yall are still thinking The Kenny britt that abused our secondary is The Real kenny britt but its the furthest from The Truth Britt was the 4th wr on The Tittans what do we Need him for ?

[rmw10]

I like Decker, Heyward-Bey, Britt, Cooper, Nicks and Meacham. 

 

All of these cats are big bodied receivers and have been in the league 4 years or less with the exception of Meachem with 6 years in.  Also, to me, they are already developing into nice receivers in the league whether that is due to their present system or not!

 

#Mili

 

Heyward-Bey?  You mean the guy that had every opportunity at a starting spot in Indy once Wayne got hurt, but lost out to the LaVon Brazills and Griff Whalens of the world?  No thanks.

[Robbo15]

I still rather have Britt, he was a top 5 WR in the league before he got injured, he was josh gordon type. He is big not sure how fast he is now. If their is no money guaranteed then I say do it, he wants to play and if he earns it then he can and I will say he will be a starter and make the tough catch red zone threat we need. Give me a break with all the Edelman stuff, i rather we not spend money on him, not even a dollar, i rather deonte and Doss

britt was a top 5 wr in ur mind hes never been that dude

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

A lot of the FA's out there may be want more money than the Ravens could pay. We need to use it keep some of our own players. Decker would be awesome but the cost would hamstring us in cap space and somebody gonna break the bank for him. I can see a player cut late in camp maybe, but I really think the FA is going for one in the draft. There's a lot of talent out there, finding it is something our scouts have to be focused on. Britt would bring too much baggage, something the Ravens never want.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

SI.com is reporting that Santonio Holmes will be cut by the Jets in their attempt to sing both Maclin and Sanders.

He's only 29 at this point and haven't heard too much about issues off the field. Havent seen much production thought either (then again who could produce under Sanchez and Geno).

Thoughts?

[TDubbs]

SI.com is reporting that Santonio Holmes will be cut by the Jets in their attempt to sing both Maclin and Sanders.

He's only 29 at this point and haven't heard too much about issues off the field. Havent seen much production thought either (then again who could produce under Sanchez and Geno).

Thoughts?

 

Depending on the price, I'm all for it. I've always been a fan of the talent of Santonio. He's a natural route runner and has wicked hands. He's had some down years in NY and may be ready to prove himself again and against his former team.