Sammy Watkins is expected to sign with the Baltimore Ravens according to a report by Josina Anderson Here are three big things to think about:
1. It’s a smart move that can’t hurt
This is a smart move by the Baltimore Ravens. At this point, it is about the only free agent signing at the wide receiver position that makes a lick of sense. Watkins is a good receiver when he’s healthy. He’s not a superstar and he’s not a number one wide receiver. The Ravens have been telegraphing all offseason that a number one receiver wasn’t in the cards.
The Ravens could not get away with ignoring the position group so a solid number two receiver was the next logical move. Sammy Watkins only played in 10 games last season and he still had 37 receptions.
It’s worth noting in the Monday Night Football game against the Ravens, Watkins had seven receptions for 62 yards. The year before, Watkins had five receptions against Baltimore. The Ravens have seen firsthand that he’s not a chump. Does Watkins have some mileage on him? Yes. We’re talking about a one-year deal that can’t hurt.
This move at the minimum gives the Ravens a receiver opposite of Marquise Brown that’s better than Miles Boykin. In the best-case scenario, Watkins catches 50 passes and helps Brown be a more productive receiver. In the Ravens’ unique offense, landing anywhere in the middle will mean the Ravens got their money’s worth.
If you’re a Ravens fan that isn’t excited about this move, you’ve had plenty of time to temper your expectations with the Ravens’ receiver search. Secondly, this move can’t hurt. It’s an insurance policy at wide receiver. The Ravens don’t need to draft a receiver in the first round. They aren’t desperate at the position, even if they need to continue developing the talent there.