Ravens work out veteran tight end Charles Clay, per report
By Justin Fried
The Baltimore Ravens already have a pretty deep tight end room, but they could be looking to make another addition in the form of veteran Charles Clay.
NFL insider Adam Caplan reported on Friday that the Ravens had hosted Clay on a workout “late this week.” Clay notably has experience working under offensive coordinator Greg Roman as the two crossed paths in Buffalo from 2015 to 2016.
The Ravens already have one of the best tight ends in football in Mark Andrews and one of the best blocking tight ends in the league in Nick Boyle.
They also have a host of other intriguing talents vying for roles on the roster. But Clay could be a worthwhile addition for cheap.
What role could Charles Clay play with the Ravens?
A sixth-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Clay has played in the NFL for nine seasons and with three different teams.
Originally a fullback, Clay transitioned into more of a hybrid H-back/tight end role as his career progressed and he had a few productive seasons with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.
His best season likely came back in 2013 when he hauled in 69 catches for 759 yards and six touchdowns — all of which are career-highs.
Still, he was an effective player after that as well recording 500 or more yards in each season from 2013 to 2017.
Clay last played in 2019 with the Arizona Cardinals when he finished with 18 catches for 237 yards and a touchdown in 15 games (10 starts). He was out of football last season.
The 32-year-old could be a solid veteran pickup at this stage and someone who would further crowd the tight end room.
It should be noted that Nick Boyle is still recovering from a gruesome knee injury he suffered last year and hasn’t been available to practice at OTAs so far.
The Ravens have the likes of Josh Oliver, Eric Tomlinson, Eli Wolf, Jacob Breeland, and fifth-round rookie Ben Mason competing for time at the position.
Clay would likely fit best in Mason’s role — that of an H-back/fullback/tight end hybrid. And given Mason’s early struggles in OTAs, perhaps Clay could provide some competition for the young rookie.
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The Ravens love their tight ends and Clay has the versatility and experience that could intrigue them. We’ll see if this one gets done.