Should Baltimore Ravens pursue Martavis Bryant?

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant was reported as having requested to be traded from the team. Should the Baltimore Ravens pursue the speedy playmaker?

The Baltimore Ravens offense has been atrocious for the most part this season. Part of the reason for that is the lack of playmakers at skill positions like wide receiver. Breshad Perriman was supposed to become the guy for the Ravens this year, but so far he looks like a bona fide bust. Jeremy Maclin was inactive in the game against the Bears and it really showed. All it takes is extra attention to Mike Wallace without Maclin on the field and Joe Flacco is left with nobody at wide receiver.

Is he worth the risk?

Martavis Bryant finally returned this year from a year-long suspension after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He has been a speedy threat for the Steelers when on the field. The problem has been keeping him on the field. The Ravens have shown they have little tolerance for players who continue to make mistakes like Bryant has. The Ravens also need whatever offensive help they can get at the moment though.

I’m not sure if the Ravens can afford Bryant, but if they can then they should try to trade for him in my opinion. Before the season I would have said otherwise, with my reason being that the Ravens have enough speed at the WR position. Breshad Perriman, supposedly the teams fastest receiver, may as well not even be on the field, however. Jeremy Maclin, Mike Wallace, and Martavis Bryant would not be a bad receiving corps for Joe Flacco.

Do the Ravens truly want to win now?

Ozzie Newsome seems to absolutely hate parting ways with future draft picks. Failing to draft any good receivers for years though should warrant a trade like this. The Ravens must fix their offense if they want to stay competitive in the AFC North and make the playoffs. Bryant could definitely help this struggling passing game. Joe Flacco needs help, and the front office has not given him any.

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Martavis is only 25 years old, so he is still well in his prime. Flacco has only had one good receiver in his prime and that was Torrey Smith. Even he wasn’t great though. The Ravens decided to pay Flacco huge money after he won Super Bowl MVP, then failed to give him any real help since. Other teams surround their franchise quarterbacks with everything they can to be successful. I don’t know how much validity these trade rumors currently have, but the Ravens need to find out quickly.