After the draft is done and the major free agency wave has passed, teams will scan the market to see who may be added to their roster or to establish new camp rivalries. Although they haven’t done anything to strengthen the position this offseason, the Baltimore Ravens still have a slight need at wide receiver.
WR Martavis Bryant is a free agent, and according to Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports, the Ravens “may have interest” in him. Palacios stated, “After his release, teams are expected to show interest in 2,100-yard free agent and former wide receiver Martavis Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys. The Ravens may need to add more firepower if they hope to defeat the defending Super Bowl champions, as they recently lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC conference championship.
As Palacios said, “Odell Beckham Jr. was the team’s seasoned assist, but he is no longer with them, so they could need to find a successor in Bryant. Other teams that Palacios mentioned as possible destinations for the veteran wide receiver were the Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, and New Orleans Saints. He will play in the NFL for the first time since the 2018 campaign if he signs a contract and joins a team this season, according to Palacios. It May Be Martavis Bryant’s Final Chance.
Since the wide receiver was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Bryant’s career has been nothing but ups and downs. But there was controversy throughout his stint in Pittsburgh. “He spent the 2014–2017 season with the Steelers, appearing in only 36 games due to various drug-related suspensions,” says Palacios.
Bryant missed the whole 2016 season because of a suspension, even though he finished the 2015 season with 50 receptions for 765 receiving yards in just 11 games. Prior to the 2017 campaign, the Steelers traded Bryant to the Raiders, although Palacios clarified that they were addressing off-field concerns that kept Bryant from participating.
Before his trade, Palacios claimed that “he was able to contribute, notching 126 balls for 1,917 yards and 17 touchdowns.” His capacity to contribute was evident while he was on the field.
Bryant hasn’t participated in a game since the 2018 Raiders season. According to Palacios, the Cowboys brought in the contentious receiver with hopes of giving him a chance to turn around his career, but they never did. There might not be much left in the 32-year-old’s tank, though, since time is running short.
Even though Bryant is not the speedster he once was at 32, it might still be worthwhile to give it a shot to see how much he can still offer.
Now, the Ravens wide receiver room appears a little empty.
Even though it was doubtful, the Ravens lost their seasoned receiver, Beckham, to the Miami Dolphins. Though he had a ton of skill in his rookie season, Zay Flowers, who is about to enter his second year, might use some assistance. Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews taking all of the catches this year is something that the Ravens want to avoid,” stated Palacios. Who could land the No. 2 wide receiver position behind Flowers is a little more speculative on the depth chart. Palacios cautioned, “They were able to re-sign Rashod Bateman, but his history of injuries may become a problem midseason.
Though it’s unknown how he would do in the No. 2 role, the Ravens also have Nelson Agholor, who contributed crucial snaps in the last campaign. In the fourth round, the Ravens also selected wide receiver Devontez Walker, a rookie, though it is doubtful that he would be able to immediately fill that position. Palacios stated, “Every receiver on the corp could see some relief with Bryant’s addition.”
