REPORT: Baltimore Ravens have signed WR Griff Whalen
By Joe Schiller
It has been reported that the Baltimore Ravens are planning to sign wide receiver Griff Whalen
As we approach the start of training camp, the Baltimore Ravens are not done making moves. This time it isn’t a move that will make all of the top headlines.
It was reported by Ravens beat reporter Jeff Zrebiec that the team worked out free agent wide receiver Griff Whalen earlier today.
Ravens also worked out veteran WR Griff Whalen today. Whalen is taking a physical for the team and there is mutual interest.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) July 21, 2017
Zrebiec then reported that the Ravens are planning on signing Whalen pending a passed physical.
The signing has now been confirmed.
The #Ravens are signing veteran WR Griff Whalen, who visited and took a physical today, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2017
Who Is Griff Whalen?
Whalen came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Because of injuries and other circumstances he didn’t see any playing time until later in the 2013 season. He started 3 games, finishing with 259 yards and 2 touchdowns. After two more seasons with the Colts he was waived in early January of 2016.
Since then, Whalen has bounced around between the Dolphins, Chargers and Patriots. In his most recent stint with the Chargers he finished with just 2 receptions for 22 yards.
Whalen now joins a crowded Ravens receiver depth chat. Behind Maclin, Wallace and Perriman there is a ton of competition. In-house talent like Keenan Reynolds, Chris Matthews and Michael Campanaro are all looking to make the 53-man roster.
The Bottom Line
It’s pretty clear the Ravens didn’t sign Whalen to be a top wide receiver target. If anything, he wouldn’t be used there at all. What he does bring is help in the return game.
Whalen has been used primarily as a return man in his NFL career. He had two decent seasons returning punts and kicks with the Colts from 2014-2015.
After the Devin Hester debacle last season, the Ravens are trying to move on. Michael Camapanaro was the eventual replacement, but injuries have been a problem. Chris Moore also contributed in the return game but didn’t really stand out. It’s fair to say the Ravens haven’t had a consistent threat since Jacoby Jones.
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There’s no guarantee Whalen makes the roster, but it’s another return man to add to the mix. The Ravens need all the help they can get after starting out with very poor field position last season.