Ebony Bird
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3 players the Baltimore Ravens should pursue in Free Agency

By Keith Runk

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta watches the game against the Cleveland Browns from the sideline at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta watches the game against the Cleveland Browns from the sideline at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 24: Demaryius Thomas #18 of the New York Jets in action against the Oakland Raiders during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 24: Demaryius Thomas #18 of the New York Jets in action against the Oakland Raiders during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

1. Demaryius Thomas

By all indications, it appears that Demaryius Thomas’ best days are behind him and he would come at virtually no cost, which seems to be Baltimore’s formula for selecting Free Agent Wide Receivers. However, he may fit the Ravens mold in more ways than just this.

The Ravens’ run-heavy offense makes it imperative to find a receiver who is not only comfortable with blocking but capable too. Thomas played in a triple-option offense at Georgia Tech, so his run-blocking ability was well documented early on. In 2016, his last Pro Bowl season, Thomas was Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked run blocking Wide Receiver. Thomas is the answer to the pundits’ inquiries about where the Ravens would find a receiver comfortable with playing in this style of offense.

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His receiving talent is nothing to scoff at, either. Thomas had five consecutive 90+ catch 1000+ receiving yard seasons from 2012-2016. Thomas’ ability goes without question. Not having the expectation of being a 90 catch receiver could make Baltimore an ideal landing spot for Thomas as a veteran. Joining a winning culture doesn’t hurt either.

Standing at 6’3″ weighing 236-lbs., Thomas could be the big-bodied, sure-handed possession receiver the Ravens have been desperately craving in the passing attack. He would also provide the blocking that’s become required from Ravens receivers in the run game. With the Ravens hopefully eyeing another young Wide Receiver in the draft, the 32-year-old Thomas could be the desperately needed veteran presence on a young Ravens receiving corps. I’m not saying he’s going to be Anquan Boldin, but he could be.

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