Ravens should try to trade for Chargers receiver, Dontrelle Inman

Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ravens Need To Improve the wide receiver position:

The Ravens keep inching closer to the start of a new season and wide receiver is still in question. Mike Wallace comes in as the team’s No. 1 receiver. After that the Ravens have nothing but inconsistent and unproven players. Names like Anquan Boldin and Victor Cruz have been thrown around as possible stop-gap replacements. The problem is neither player is close to making a signing decision. It’s even possible that neither receiver lands in Baltimore.

It’s time for the front office to make a move and bring in a promising receiver that gives Joe Flacco an answer, aside from Mike Wallace.

Insert Dontrelle Inman, who broke out for the Chargers last year with 58 receptions and 810 yards. Inman stepped in when multiple Chargers were hurt, but now he’s caught in a number’s game.

Chargers need him less now:

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The Chargers made receiver a point in the draft when they took Clemson’s Mike Williams. Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin are back from injuries and are expected to make full recoveries. Then there’s Tyrell Williams, who was Rivers’ favorite receiver after Allen went down.

The Chargers obviously see value in Inman though, as they placed a second-rounder tender on him this offseason. However, he needs offseason surgery that will put him out six weeks and will slide him down the depth chart.

Inman made the most of his playing time last year and showed a good ability of creating separation on his routes. He shows off speed like Wallace, but is also a bid-bodied receiver that Flacco could lean on.

It would also ease in Perriman, who showed inconsistencies in his rookie year and might not handle the pressure of a No.2 receiver just yet.

A trade for Inman is in the the hands of the Chargers though, as they can field as many offers as they want. It would likely take a fourth-round pick in order to get Inman, but it’s something the Ravens need to jump on.

Bottom line:

You can’t be comfortable marching out Wallace, Perriman and Chris Moore as the top three receivers on the depth chart. Inman would take a huge weight off Flacco and could be a long-term solution for the team.

Next: Baltimore Ravens Legends Bracket: Previewing Round 2 Contests

Ozzie Newsome and company don’t like to part with draft picks, but they also don’t like to fix up receiver every year. It’s a good match, as the Chargers have a surplus at the position and need draft picks in order to keep rebuilding.

It’s something to at least think about as we get closer to the start of another year with questions marks for Joe Flacco’s supporting cast.