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Baltimore Ravens Free Agency Losses and Possible Replacements

By Jackson Thompson

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Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) celebrates with Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

WR Torrey Smith: signed with San Francisco 49ers, five years $40 million

Those of you who drafted Torrey Smith in fantasy football last year might not be too upset to see him go, but the guy did score 11 touchdowns last season. 11. That’s a lot. And while his reception totals were down as well as his average yards/catch, Smith still ranked 7th in yards/catch among receivers with 40+ receptions at 15.7.

Torrey is still only 26, so the 49ers are hoping he can continue to grow and provide the deep threat to complement their catch monster, Anquan Boldin. Side note: the 49ers (2) now have almost as many members of the Ravens’ Superbowl-winning 2013 offense as the current Ravens (5).

How to replace him: Currently, the top four receivers on the roster are Steve Smith Sr., Marlon Brown, Kamar Aiken, and Michael Campanaro. Given the lack of moves the Ravens have made in free agency and the relatively deep draft class, Ozzie Smith seems content to roll with these guys plus a rookie or two.

You can never count out the age-less Steve Smith, but he will be 36 when the season starts. Marlon Brown has shown flashes in the past few seasons, but is most likely suited as a number three receiver. Kamar Aiken is a bit of a wild card as he did score three touchdowns in the Ravens’ final five games last year, but his lack of experience is not confidence inspiring.

Interestingly enough, former 49ers WR Michael Crabtree is still available in free agency, and he might be a nice pick up if he falls to the right price. Other free agent options include former Raider Denarius Moore, recently cut Greg Jennings, former Colt Hakeem Nicks, or dark horse veterans Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, or Nate Washington.

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