REPORT: Ravens tried to trade for Jarvis Landry last offseason

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 31: Jarvis Landry
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 31: Jarvis Landry

According to a report from Jeff Zrebiec, the Baltimore Ravens tried to trade for Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry last offseason.

Jarvis Landry will be the top wide receiver target in free agency this offseason but could he have been a Baltimore Raven in 2017? According to a report from beat writer Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun, it was an option.

Zrebiec talked about the topic in his latest column, saying, “The Ravens spoke to the Miami Dolphins last offseason about a potential trade for wide receiver Jarvis Landry, but they found the asking price to be prohibitive.”

It’s a report that will leave many fans frustrated, especially after Jeremy Maclin posted career lows in yards and receptions. Meanwhile, Landry led the NFL in receptions and finished the season with 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. 

Landry would be an immediate upgrade at wide receiver and a much-needed weapon for Joe Flacco in the slot. He has reliable hands and has a nose for finding the football. Two seasons with over 100 receptions doesn’t happen by coincidence. At just 25 years old, Landry goes against the grain of veteran receivers the Ravens typically target in free agency but getting young at the position is just as important at this point.

In hindsight, not trading for Landry at the time might have been a blessing in disguise. Yes, the Ravens struggled at the position but Landry’s asking price was likely very high. Ozzie Newsome doesn’t have a track record of giving up draft picks, especially in the earlier rounds. The Ravens now have a chance to put their money where their mouth is and lure Landry in through free agency.

With the help of safety Tony Jefferson, that may be possible.

It was veteran Eric Weddle who helped recruit Jefferson to Baltimore last offseason. Now it’s time for Jefferson to return the favor.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: How to address each need in the NFL Draft

The Ravens currently don’t possess the cap room to sign Landry but with cap casualties, that could change. This is a veteran front office and if they want to bring in a free agent, they’ll find a way to make it happen.

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