The Baltimore Ravens got back to the playoffs, but a heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round ended their season prematurely. Baltimore does have a few holes they need to fill, but signing the wrong free agents could send them in the wrong direction. Here are the free agents Baltimore should avoid this offseason:
RB Ryan Mathews
Baltimore is in the market for a running back with Justin Forsett hitting the open market, and Mathews is one of the bigger names available. He has been productive in his young career, but had dealt with numerous injuries and was limited to just six games last season. The injuries will drive the price down for Mathews, but the tag will still be relatively high. The reward just doesn’t outweigh the risk for the Ravens given the amount of money they’d have to spend on him.
WR Michael Crabtree
Crabtree hasn’t lived up to his status as the elite receiver over the past two season, but he has proven he could be a reliable weapon – which means some team will likely overpay him. However, his poor attitude and lack of leadership would make him just as toxic to the locker room. There are plenty of other options for the Ravens in free agency and in the draft that would fit better with the team.
TE Julius Thomas
Thomas has emerged as a star during the past two seasons with the Denver Broncos, but the team is content to let him hit the open market. Baltimore is in the market for a tight end, and Thomas is one of the best pass catchers available. However, Thomas will undoubtedly command top dollar on the open market, and Baltimore shouldn’t invest a good portion of their salary cap in a player who has to be taken off the field because he can’t block.
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