Darius Slayton considered a smart free-agent target for Ravens next offseason
By Kristen Wong
The Baltimore Ravens are still very much in the playoff picture in 2022, but the team could keep an eye on a certain free agent wide receiver next year.
The rumors of the Ravens acquiring an elite wide receiver just never seem to end. Baltimore’s passing game admittedly has looked like the team’s Achilles’ heel in recent history, and this season has been no different.
With Rashod Bateman out, the Ravens haven’t seen much improvement from young studs like Devin Duvernay or James Proche, and veteran Demarcus Robinson isn’t a feasible long-term option.
As the Ravens look ahead to the offseason, New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton pops up as a potential bang-for-buck option in free agency.
The Athletic’s Bo Wulf writes:
"In the offseason, once Baltimore has secured Jackson’s return — either with a new long-term contract or the franchise tag — it’ll still need to surround him with weapons. Slayton is the closest thing on the market to “low-rent DeSean Jackson.”"
Ravens should be in the market for a free agent wideout in 2023
Baltimore had previously been linked to top wide receivers ranging from Odell Beckham Jr. to Antonio Brown, and Slayton ranks as a relatively small splash signing compared to those candidates.
The Giants wideout put together 700-plus yard seasons in each of his first two years in New York, yet he could be viewed as expendable to the franchise as he is set to enter free agency in 2023.
The former fifth-rounder could pair well with Rashod Bateman next season as another big-bodied receiver capable of making big plays and stretching the field.
One thing is for certain: Lamar Jackson, if and when he’s extended, will need more reliable pass-catchers next season. Failing to trade or acquire for even a mid-tier wide receiver would be a huge mistake, especially considering how much the Ravens’ passing attack has struggled due to lack of depth and talent this year.
Next. Ravens’ defense will be under pressure for rest of the season. dark
New year, new wide receivers. The Ravens and Darius Slayton could be a sneaky good match made in 2023.