Jeremy Maclin makes the Ravens offense potent again

Jeremy Maclin returns to the east coast to give the Ravens offense a needed boost

Kansas City surprised the football world by releasing veteran wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, sending the Pro Bowler into a wild free agent market.

With Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Baltimore reportedly yearning to sign the newlywed 29-year-old Maclin had his fair share of suitors.

Maclin made his decision Monday afternoon to sign a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. While the final destination for Maclin is far from shocking, reports of Philadelphia being the runner-up to signing Maclin were.

Regardless of where he signed, Maclin brings a veteran pedigree to any offense needing a reliable pass catcher.

Baltimore has starved for receivers this offseason following the retirement of Steve Smith Sr. and the likely career-ending injury to Dennis Pitta. They were left with underperforming first round pick Breshad Perriman, veteran Mike Wallace, and a handful of mediocre tight ends.

Maclin now gives 32-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco a downfield threat Wallace and Perriman struggle to provide.

Similar to Perriman, injuries will be the biggest key for Maclin as he enters his eighth season. His second season in Kansas City was limited to 12 starts primarily due to a groin injury.

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While fans should be thrilled to see Maclin don the purple and black uniform they shouldn’t expect him to completely flip the offense into a Super Bowl contending one. His presence certainly helps Flacco and the motley of young receivers in Baltimore.

However, the lack of an established running game and questionable play coming from the tight ends may continue to hold back the Ravens.

Maclin is a major piece for this team and has the potential to catch 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns with Flacco, but don’t anoint this offense a top-10 group just yet.