Kamar Aiken is one of the best values in the NFL
The Baltimore Ravens have struggled through some really unfortunate injuries the last couple of years, but Kamar Aiken has emerged as a phenomenal value…
The Baltimore Ravens haven’t exactly been the luckiest team in the league the last couple of seasons when it comes to injuries, but from the ashes a star has been birthed.
Wide receiver Kamar Aiken, an undrafted free agent out of Central Florida in 2011, made his way around the league with a couple of other teams prior to signing with the Baltimore Ravens.
He originally signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2011, was later added to the practice squad, and had a couple of stints on the active roster before ultimately landing on the Chicago Bears’ practice squad. He was with the Bears for about a month before he signed on to the New England Patriots’ practice squad, and he bounced on and off the active roster there.
When New England cut him in August of 2013, Aiken finally signed with the Baltimore Ravens. He was elevated from the Ravens’ practice squad in December of 2013, and hasn’t looked back since.
Aiken’s 2014 season was modest statistically, but he proved that when in the lineup, he can make an impact. He caught 24 passes, three of which went for touchdowns.
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With injuries taking their toll, Aiken stepped up last year and became one of the better receivers in football. He racked up 75 catches for 944 yards, dropping only four passes on 121 targets. He had Pro Football Focus’ ninth highest grade among wide receivers in the second half of last season, and has proven that he has a chance to be the Ravens’ number one target moving forward.
At 6-2, 215 pounds, Aiken is ideal size for a top NFL receiver. He’s not ‘elite’ size like a Calvin Johnson, but he doesn’t really have to be. The best part for the Ravens? Aiken is costing them only $2.55 million this season.
He’s certainly going to command a pay day soon, but for right now, Aiken is one of the best values in the game. The Ravens aren’t known for their passing attack, but this is a player that has become reliable and virtually out of nowhere.
Proving once again the brilliance of Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens’ front office, as well as testifying to the ability of the coaching staff in Baltimore to extract talent.