Breaking: Baltimore Ravens cut wide receiver Michael Crabtree
After an incredibly lackluster 2018 season, the Baltimore Ravens have opted to move on from and cut wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
At this time a year ago, the Oakland Raiders cut wide receiver Michael Crabtree. At that moment, Crabtree became a media darling, and every team wanted to throw their name in the hat for his services. The Baltimore Ravens were, unsurprisingly, one of his biggest suitors.
On March 16, 2018, the Baltimore Ravens were able to come to terms with Michael Crabtree to the tune of a three-year contract worth $21 million. At the time of this signing, it was perceived that the Ravens were finally taking an interest in restructuring their wide receiver core by getting them a true top-dog. Instead, Crabtree looked completely washed up and nose-dived in Baltimore.
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In 16 games with the Ravens, Michael Crabtree posted a career-low in receiving yards (in a full-season), with just 607. His 54 receptions were also his lowest since 2013, and his touchdown production was dismal. Considering Crabtree had scored 25 touchdowns in three previous years with the Oakland Raiders, it was perceived that he could share some of that success in Baltimore.
Michael Crabtree led the NFL with eight dropped passes and failed to hold onto a potential winning TD pass in a 12-9 loss in Cleveland. He was due a $2.5 million roster bonus next month and would've earned $7.5 million in 2019.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 25, 2019
After the porous season that he put together, the Baltimore Ravens decided it best to cut their losses and cut Michael Crabtree altogether.
The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver depth chart looks as weak as it ever has, with Willie Snead IV and Chris Moore likely topping the group. Joining those two are second-year pros Jaleel Scott and Jordan Lasley. There are no other players at the position after those four due to Free Agency.
Now, the Ravens will once again be looking to add talent to the wide receiver position, although it will have to primarily be through the draft. While there are plenty of veterans to fancy (i.e. Golden Tate, Jamison Crowder, Tyrell Williams), the cream of the crop remains in the 2019 NFL Draft.
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If the Baltimore Ravens are serious about improving their wide receiver core, this upcoming draft is their best chance to make strides and move on from their miss of Michael Crabtree.