2 reasons Deebo Samuel will join the Ravens and 2 reasons he won’t
By Kristen Wong
Why Deebo will join the Ravens, Reason No. 1: Samuel fits into the offense
Many NFL teams have found success with elite quarterback-wide receiver pairings in the past: Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
How about Lamar Jackson and Deebo Samuel?
Samuel got his taste of superstardom last season as the undisputed hero of the 49ers, singlehandedly leading San Francisco to the playoffs.
If he could do that with Jimmy G, imagine what chaos he would wreak with Lamar Jackson.
In 2021, Samuel made a significant impact as both a receiver and a pseudo-running back: he recorded 77 catches for 1,405 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns along with 59 carries for 365 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
Even if, as Samuel reportedly requested, the Ravens were to use him as a receiver only, Samuel could still produce terrifying numbers as Jackson’s new favorite target (move over, Mark Andrews). In Baltimore’s offensive scheme, Samuel has the potential to become an even bigger YAC monster, having recorded an unbelievable 768 yards after the catch last year.
Yes, the Ravens are known for being a run-heavy team and would ideally want to employ Samuel in the backfield, but a player of Samuel’s caliber is worth tweaking the offense for.