The Baltimore Ravens need to bring in Jeremy Maclin or Eric Decker
By Joe Schiller
The Baltimore Ravens need help at wide receiver, but they shouldn’t settle.
If I had a nickel for every time someone mentioned that the Baltimore Ravens need receiver help, I’d be a rich man.
That has been one of the main narratives this entire offseason. Steve Smith Sr. retired, Kamar Aiken left in free agency and there is a lot of unproven talent. The Ravens did not instill any confidence when they failed to bring in a wide receiver in free agency or the draft. The “trust our guys in the locker room” mentality is something that’s been stressed, but the Ravens still need depth.
Not only do they need depth, but they need GOOD depth. Bringing in a practice player or a guy buried on a depth chart isn’t going to help. The Ravens have younger receivers like Chris Moore who are still developing. What they need is a veteran wide receiver who can come in and produce right away. This is a make or break year for the offense and it’s time for them to make a statement offensively.
Right now in free agency, there are two great options: Jeremy Maclin and Eric Decker. The Baltimore Ravens need to pounce on this opportunity and bring one of them in.
Related Story: Baltimore Ravens: Why Eric Decker would be the perfect fit
Maclin Situation
Since Jeremy Maclin was released by the Chiefs last week, Ravens fans have been urging for their team to bring him in. Adam Schefter announced yesterday that Maclin had plans to visit the Ravens, but he has been in Buffalo first.
The visit last night has turned gone over into today and we have not heard much since. There have been a ton of unconfirmed reports flying around saying different things.
The last update we’ve seen has come from LeSean McCoy’s Instagram story, which showed Maclin in Buffalo.
Maclin would be a great wide receiver to bring in. At only the age of 29, he’s still shown that he can produce at a high level. Maclin caught for over 1,000 yards in 2014 and 2015. He dealt with some injuries last year but he should be ready for the start of the season.
The big thing here is the money. The Ravens are tight on cap space and there are other teams that can offer a lot more money. We’ve seen them bring in receivers before and not let them leave without a deal. If Maclin makes a visit, there’s a chance he could be a Raven.
Eric Decker now an option?
Most of the focus has been on Jeremy Maclin, but a new wide receiver has emerged. The New York Jets are still cleaning out house and are planning on parting ways with Eric Decker.
This is some big news. The Jets could either trade or release Decker, but no move has been made yet. A perfect fit for him would be the Baltimore Ravens. With his 6-3 frame, he’s a big target for Joe Flacco. His play would complement the speed of Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman.
The recent injury history is a problem, but Decker has been a full participant in OTAs so far.
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The Bottom Line
The options are there for Ozzie Newsome. There’s not doubt that the Ravens can make a move for Decker or Maclin. It would be a major help to get either one of these receivers on the roster and Joe Flacco would be a very happy man. It’s just all about making the commitment to bring in the talent. We’ve seen it on the defensive side, now the offense needs some love.