NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Baltimore Ravens are expected to sign wide receiver Griff Whalen.
It’s finally happening! That big name signing the Baltimore Ravens have been waiting for! Just kidding of course. If you got your hopes up sorry, but that’s not what this is.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, wide receiver Griff Whalen is flying to Baltimore and expected to sign with the team. Assuming this happens, he’ll be practicing tomorrow.
The #Ravens are bringing back a familiar face: Griff Whalen is flying to Baltimore, expected to sign & practice tomorrow, I’m told.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 18, 2017
If Whalen’s name rings a bell, that’s because he signed with the Ravens in late July before the start of training camp. Whalen played all four preseason games with the team and was unimpressive. He finished the preseason with four catches for 32 yard and was one of the first players let go during 53-man roster cuts.
This move doesn’t come as surprising considering Breshad Perriman is dealing with a concussion he suffered in the first half against the Bears last Sunday. This likely means he won’t be suiting up against the Vikings this week. Whalen provides depth at wide receiver and in the return game, however the Ravens had no problem with that last week. He’s familiar with the offense and can come in and play on short notice. The Ravens wouldn’t be able to do that with any other free agent receivers.
Whalen isn’t a game changer, but this is a roster move the Ravens seemingly had to make. They need depth at a position that’s been the weak link of the offense this season. With one of the worst passing attacks in the league, there isn’t a short-term fix. The Ravens have problems at wide receiver and that’s not going to change this season.
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Maybe Whalen comes in and provides a spark, but that’s wishful thinking to say the least.