Now more than ever, the Ravens need Ben Watson to step up and take Dennis Pitta’s role as Joe Flacco’s safety valve.
Dennis Pitta injured his hip for the third time in four years. With his career likely over, the Ravens need someone to step up. Is that someone Ben Watson?
The Ravens sure hope that will be the case. After signing Watson to a two-year contract extension following his career year in New Orleans in 2015, Watson tore his Achilles tendon during the preseason and missed the entire 2016 season.
Given the Ravens previous depth at the tight end position, Watson wasn’t guaranteed a spot on the roster. His age, cap hit, and the fact he is coming off an injury also factor into an argument against him.
Overall, prior to Pitta’s injury, things looked gloomy on Watson’s future with the team.
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Now with Pitta’s injury, Watson looks to be a shoe in to earn a spot on this roster.
Watson is the most experienced tight end in the group. Among the four other tight ends on this roster (Maxx Williams, Crockett Gillmore, Darren Waller, and Nick Boyle), the group combines for a total of just 119 receptions.
If that wasn’t inspiring enough, there are rumors that Darren Waller could transition back to wide receiver for depth. Nick Boyle has struggled to get on the field due to suspensions. And Maxx Williams and Crockett Gillmore have both struggled with injuries in their short careers.
Watson remains the best option the Ravens have, especially with the circumstances surrounding the rest of the tight end group.
If we factor in the issues within the receiving core, Watson’s value increases that much more.
Overall, the Ravens need Watson in the worst way possible to be Flacco’s safety valve. He needs a check down target over the middle and someone to pick up first downs on a consistent basis.
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If Watson goes into 2017 healthy, even at 36-years old, he is Flacco’s best hope at replacing Dennis Pitta.