Should the Baltimore Ravens sign Darius Slayton? He’s a free-agent wide receiver worth exploring.
It took one week for injuries to slightly pile up on the Baltimore Ravens. That’s one unfortunate sign that you know football is back. In Sunday’s win, the Ravens’ wide receiver depth was tested, as Zay Flowers and Ja’Kobi Lane left the game with injuries.
While Flowers’ hamstring issue is expected to be day-to-day, Lane reportedly suffered a fractured wrist, which will keep him out for several weeks. In-house options will and should have an opportunity to step up, but the Ravens may need another body.
Slayton could make sense.
Baltimore Ravens may want to pursue veteran WR like Darius Slayton amid injuries
After being released by the New York Giants, Darius Slayton remains a free agent. That might come as a bit of a shock. He’s still a capable wideout, posting at least 538 receiving yards every year since 2022.
That consistency could make Slayton an intriguing option for the Ravens, especially since they’ll be down an outside weapon with Ja’Kobi Lane out for a while.
Slayton can be a solid vertical threat. He has dangerous speed to take the top off the defense, and throughout his seven-year career, he’s averaged 15.0 yards per reception. He might be the extra depth piece Baltimore needs, as they fend off injuries.
To play devil’s advocate, though, it might make more sense to let Devontez Walker and Elijah Sarratt take advantage of available reps. Walker has flashed as a deep threat, too, and Sarratt is capable of providing the size and contested-catch ability the team will miss without Lane.
However, while head coach Jesse Minter acknowledged that in his press conference on Monday, he also mentioned the team will look at all options.
“There’s some potential for [adding another wide receiver],” Minter said. “Tez Walker and Sarratt, I got a lot of confidence in those guys…Those two guys have a real opportunity to get themselves in rhythm. And then we’ll look at all options.”
It really sounds like Minter values guys that have experience in Baltimore’s offense, but there may be a point where a veteran like Slayton is needed. There’s a bit of uncertainty with Walker and Sarratt. We know Slayton can go out there and put up decent numbers.
The issue might become whether Slayton would accept a practice squad spot. With Minter’s emphasis on Walker and Sarratt, it may turn into a trial run with the young guys. Signing another wide receiver would be an effort to add more proven depth.
Nonetheless, Slayton looks to be the best option on the market right now. If there’s mutual interest, the Ravens should definitely try to swing a deal to bring in another weapon for Lamar Jackson.
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