Do the Ravens really need to sign a veteran WR this summer?

This is one horse that has been beaten to death. Heading into 2022, the Baltimore Ravens haven’t yet acquired a veteran wide receiver and could reasonably do so by the end of the offseason.

One reason they haven’t is due to their current cap space.

Yet recent reports reveal the Ravens “likely” will sign a veteran wideout this summer to add much-needed experience to their unproven wide receiver corps, which arguably would be a smart move on Eric DeCosta’s part.

The trifecta of Bateman, Duvernay, and Proche simply may not be enough to help Lamar Jackson win games in 2022, and even if a potential veteran WR acquisition doesn’t turn into a reliable starter, he can at least lessen the load for the young Ravens wideout trio.

Baltimore Ravens writer Ryan Mink said back in May:

"“If the Ravens can add a moderately-priced veteran threat, whether that be via free agency or trading a Day 3 pick next year, I’d be interested. That way, it’s not a high-volume veteran coming in to take a ton of snaps off Duvernay, Proche and Tylan Wallace’s plate, but more of a complimentary weapon who is capable of more in case of injury.”"

Baltimore Ravens will benefit from adding a veteran wideout in 2022

To be sure, each of the Ravens’ current wide receivers deserves the chance to break out this season, but it just makes sense to have a fallback plan.

The remaining notable receivers on the free agent market include Julio Jones, Will Fuller, Emmanuel Sanders, and T.Y. Hilton, and out of those options, Fuller presents the highest risk but also the highest reward as a younger wideout with plenty of upside.

As we’ve written about before, though, Baltimore will need to clear up cap space before they can even think about signing a new player to the team.

Any of the options listed above will likely only receive a one-year, prove-it deal similar to Sammy Watkins’ contract last season, and expectations for their performance should be kept to a minimum.

Short answer: yes, the Ravens would clearly benefit from an extra dose of experience and leadership in their wideout room.