Baltimore Ravens: The case for and against acquiring Tavon Austin

With the Los Angeles Rams preparing to release Tavon Austin, he could be an interesting target for the Ravens. Here are a few pros and cons regarding bringing him in.

We probably sound like a bunch of broken records at this point, but the Ravens need all the help they can get on offense. It’s going to take more than the addition of one player, but upgrading the offense for 2018 can be done. With all the rumors of the Ravens still being one of the teams on the mix for Jarvis Landry, it’s refreshing to take a step back and look at some of the other pieces Ozzie could potentially bring in.

Tavon Austin has had an interesting career. Austin signed a 4-year, $42 million dollar extension with the Rams after posting career bests across the board in 2015. Austin posted 52 receptions for 473 yards, and five receiving touchdowns. He also rushed 52 times for 434 yards, and four rushing touchdowns. It’s worth noting that he returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown as well.

The deal was heavily scrutinized. Giving a smaller receiver that hadn’t hit the 500-yard receiving mark in any of his first three seasons that kind of money isn’t exactly the norm. Rather than being paid for being a #1 receiver, Austin was given the extension for his versatility. A player that can make a strong impact in all three phases of the game is a rare commodity.

Still just 27 years old, Austin should have plenty of speed and agility left in him. Let’s take a look at why the Ravens might be interested in targeting him: