Baltimore Ravens Once Again Prove Masters of WR Free Agency

Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) warms up for the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

In case people somehow haven’t gotten the news already, the Baltimore Ravens gave their offense a much-needed jolt by signing Jeremy Maclin.

It’s quite the coup for GM Ozzie Newsome, but then again this is nothing new. No general manager in the NFL has proven more adept at playing the free agency market when it comes to the receiver position than Newsome. It’s why he rarely drafts the position high. He knows he can usually find credible veteran targets at decent prices for his quarterbacks. Enough at least to serve the purpose of the offense. Looking back, it’s hard to argue with the results.

There are several notable names the Ravens have scooped up that other teams didn’t want, only to turn them into credible targets again. Proof positive that in the right structured environment receivers can play for a good long time in the NFL. Here’s a rundown of their greatest hits.

Qadry Ismail

Didn’t play for most of 1997 or 1998
Signed in 1999 and had two 1,000-yard seasons in three years

Derrick Mason

Cut by Tennessee at 30-years old
Signed in 2005 and had 1,000 yards in four of next five seasons

Anquan Boldin

Allowed to hit free agency by Cardinals at age 30
Signed in 2010 and was best target of 2012 Super Bowl run (380 yards and 4 TDs in playoffs)

Steve Smith

Released by Panthers at age 35
Signed in 2014 and posted 1,000 yards that same season

Mike Wallace

Cut by Minnesota after career-low year and turning 30
Signed in 2016 and posted 1,000 yards for first time since 2011

Time will tell if Maclin provides the same level of productivity but history says to count on it. He’s only 29-years old had over 1,000 yards in 2015. He dealt with a groin injury last season. All signs are he’s healthy. Joe Flacco should have a decent of pair of targets now with him and Wallace. If Baltimore can get the running game revved up again, this team will be in business for an AFC run. Perhaps even unseat the Patriots?

Let’s not jump too far ahead.

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