2 reasons Deebo Samuel will join the Ravens and 2 reasons he won’t
By Kristen Wong
Add up Za’Darius Smith, Bobby Wagner, and all of the Baltimore Ravens’ failed targets of the last few years, and it still wouldn’t equal one Deebo Samuel.
A few days ago, Samuel requested a trade out of San Francisco, and the NFL world went haywire. A quick search on Twitter will reveal no shortage of photoshopped images of Samuel wearing different colored jerseys as every fanbase understandably wants a piece of him.
In truth, Samuel is the kind of player who would benefit every and any NFL team, but his potential trade will depend on a host of factors: scheme fit, money, draft capital, and the possibility the 49ers may not even let him leave.
The Ravens have been included in conversations about Samuel’s likely landing spots and could feasibly acquire the dynamic receiver — or not.
Compared to other position needs, wide receiver doesn’t need a whole lot of work this offseason since the team has reliable pass-catchers in Marquise Brown and Rashod Bateman. Nonetheless, we take a look at two reasons Deebo Samuel will don the purple and black this season, and two reasons he won’t.
Why Deebo will join the Ravens, Reason No. 2: The team needs another wideout
It’s as simple as this: the Ravens can use extra wide receiver depth, and Samuel provides that and much, much more.
We previously wrote about why the team should pursue a veteran wideout this offseason, and to date, a few talented free agents remain available. Drafted in 2019, Samuel could hardly be called a veteran of the league, but there’s not even a shred of doubt that he’s a starting WR1, and his unique talents make up for his relative lack of experience.
After losing Miles Boykin and Sammy Watkins, the Ravens need wideout insurance, but why not shoot for the stars and pursue Samuel? Trading for him would allow younger players like James Proche and Devin Duvernay time to grow into their roles while firmly establishing Baltimore as a playoff contender. No, a Super Bowl contender.
Samuel would elevate any NFL franchise, but him joining a team like Baltimore (as opposed to, say, the New York Jets) automatically makes the Ravens a favorite for sweeping the AFC North and winning the Super Bowl. No question about that.