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NFL Free Agency 2018: Ravens expected to sign John Brown

By Joe Schiller

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 20: John Brown #12 of the Arizona Cardinals scores a touchdown in the third quater against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 20, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 20: John Brown #12 of the Arizona Cardinals scores a touchdown in the third quater against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 20, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens are expected to sign free agent wide receiver John Brown.

The Baltimore Ravens have finally acquired free agent wide receiver help. After watching the top talent sign elsewhere, Ozzie Newsome and the front office have made a move. The team is expected to sign former Arizona Cardinals wideout John Brown.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to break the news.

Adam Caplan reported that the contract is a one-year deal worth $5M. Brown can earn up to $6.5M with incentives.

This is essentially a “prove-it” type deal with the Ravens. It fits under their limited cap space while still providing Brown with the opportunity to earn an extra $1.5M.

The former third-round pick out of Pittsburgh State is entering his fifth year in the league. A big reason why Brown’s contract is so manageable is due to his recent injury history. He’s missed six games over the last two seasons with a long list of problems. That poses some concern but when healthy, Brown can be a dynamic deep-field threat.

Brown’s best season came in 2015, finishing with 1,003 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He stands at just 5’11” but has blazing speed, which pairs well with the big arm of Joe Flacco. The Ravens truly haven’t had a deep threat at receiver since the days of Torrey Smith. Brown averages 14.5 yards per reception, an intriguing number for an anemic check-down offense. Here’s to hoping he can continue that kind of production this season.

It’s not the “splash” signing owner Steve Bisciotti talked about in his season-ending press conference but it’s a pass-catcher nonetheless. Fans won’t be happy given the frustrations of the past 24 hours but it’s the reality the Ravens are left with. They were never set up cap wise to acquire some of the top talents. Baltimore isn’t as desirable of a location as some of the top teams in the NFL. While that could change, it’s the cold hard truth right now.

Next: AFC North Free Agency Primer: What Ravens fans need to know

The Ravens are betting on potential in Brown but it could prove dividends if he finds his recent form.

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