The Baltimore Ravens are once again in the market for a wide receiver. Even with Zay Flowers standing out as one of the best young receivers in club history, the lack of depth behind him could leave 2023 MVP Lamar Jackson wanting more from his group of pass-catchers.
Baltimore will get back to having extra cap space once they make get rid of big contracts like Ronnie Stanley and restructure deals to push the salary cap burden further down the road. The wide receiver room could be put under the microscope as they try to get Flowers extra support.
If Odell Beckham Jr. is not retained, the Ravens will need to bring in at least one big name that has a higher ceiling than Rashod Bateman and veteran deep threat Nelson Agholor. Selecting a receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft seems like a prudent way to beef up their depth, but it isn't the only option.
The Ravens could add a veteran wide receiver in free agency if they are able to find enough available funds. While this class is lacking in elite talent after Mike Evans signed a new contract and Michael Pittman Jr. was hit with the franchise tag, there are multiple standout second or third wideouts Baltimore could sign to chase that elusive Super Bowl.
Ranking top available wide receivers the Baltimore Ravens could sign in 2024
5. Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders
Samuel finally started to get on track in Washington after a slow start. While his very specific skillset won't make him a 1,000-yard producer or an overly complete player, Samuel is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands that could make for an interesting gadget player in Todd Monken's offense.
Samuel's speed is still very real, and he could be a safe target underneath for Jackson as he tries to continue evolving as a passer. Even with how often Baltimore runs the ball compared to Eric Bieniemy's pass-happy attack, the cavernous gulf in talent between Jackson and Sam Howell could help Samuel out.
The Baltimore Ravens could sign Darnell Mooney in free agency
4. Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears
Mooney is an interesting beast to study, as his stock is a matter of perspective. Is he the 1,000-yard receiver from Justin Fields' rookie year who was dragged down by a terrible offensive infrastructure, or is he a skinny receiver who didn't even hit 500 yards in either of the last two seasons in Chicago?
Mooney has enough speed and separation at the line of scrimmage to be a weapon in the right scheme, especially one that turned a similar player like Flowers into a noteworthy playmaker during his rookie season. After his statistical regression, Baltimore might be able to land a solid player for below market value.