Ebony Bird
FanSided

Ravens sign former Giants tight end Larry Donnell

By Richard Bradshaw

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: Larry Donnell #84 of the New York Giants attempts to catch the ball against Vonn Bell #48 of the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York Giants won 16-13. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: Larry Donnell #84 of the New York Giants attempts to catch the ball against Vonn Bell #48 of the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York Giants won 16-13. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 18: Larry Donnell
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 18: Larry Donnell /

In light of skill position players going down to injury, the Ravens opted to sign veteran tight end Larry Donnell for depth purposes.

Larry Donnell, a former New York Giants tight end, was signed earlier this morning to the Ravens roster. The Ravens opted to waive undrafted free agent Tim Patrick to make this move. Donnell went undrafted back in 2011, and has 110 career receptions to his name. He had a breakout year in 2012, where he caught 63 passes for 623-yards and 6 touchdowns.

What does this mean exactly for the Ravens? Donnell’s signing is likely just a move to provide depth to a suddenly depleted tight end group. The Ravens saw tight end Dennis Pitta have his third hip injury since 2013, as well as tight end Darren Waller get a suspension for the entirety of 2017 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Crockett Gillmore appears to once again have a “significant injury”, according to beat writer Jeff Zrebeic, which could potentially put his 2017 season in jeopardy.

The Ravens current depth chart at tight end consists of Ben Watson, Maxx Williams, and Nick Boyle. Both Watson and Williams are coming off of season-ending injuries/surgeries and Boyle was suspended for the first ten games of 2016 due to the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Donnell’s signing is a good one. He won’t turn 29 until the first of November and can be a good red-zone threat for Flacco. At 6’6″ 265 lbs., there aren’t very many defenders who can box out Donnell in the red-zone.

Next: Ravens: Marlon Humphrey off to a good start

So long as Donnell remains healthy, something the Ravens can’t seem to rely on, He could easily make this roster and provide an impact in 2017. Especially when you consider the murkiness that is the Ravens tight end group.

Donnell could provide stability to this group and could legitimately go into 2017 as the team’s top tight end. That isn’t a bad thing, Ravens Flock. Donnell won’t be a Pro Bowler, but he could make life easier for Flacco. If he can catch 40-50 passes and 4+ touchdowns, it will go down as a win in my book.

Home/Ravens News