Baltimore Ravens: Grading big free agent additions so far
The Baltimore Ravens have always prioritized building through the draft and they have continued to do so by locking down some top performers to extensions in free agency
The Baltimore Ravens have a team philosophy where they are content with building through the draft and identifying and filling specific holes through free agency or trades. That’s not to say that they don’t spend in free agency here and there but they are more than happy to focus on keeping their homegrown talent and filling out their roster with low key signings that provide depth.
This offseason has been no different as they made sure to keep several key players from the 2020 season but also sought to fill a couple holes on the roster as well.
Let’s dive in to the big signings and re-signings for the Baltimore Ravens so far this offseason.
Sammy Watkins, WR (Kansas City Chiefs)
Grade: B
The saga of Sammy Watkins continues as the veteran wide receiver signed a one-year deal worth $6 million with the Baltimore Ravens with $5 million of it guaranteed. The Ravens were expected to be active in the market for a more traditional receiver for Lamar Jackson after the passing offense started to flounder in 2020 but they were not able to land some of the top targets in TY Hilton or Juju Smith-Schuster.
,Watkins is a decent consolation prize but the questions around him have always been about his health. Watkins has been in the NFL for seven years and has played 15 games or more just twice. He has averaged around 11 games per season over the last 3 years and has been somewhat productive in the best passing offense in the NFL in Kansas City.
There is little reason to suggest that Watkins has put these health issues behind him as he has suffered ankle, foot, calf, and hamstring issues in recent years. The upside however is that 10 games of Watkins is better than 16 games of Miles Boykin or Dez Bryant. If Watkins can match his best year in KC of 52 catches, 673 yards, and three touchdowns it will be money well spent for the Ravens and they can still go out and get a true No. 1 receiver for Jackson in the draft.