Baltimore Ravens: Michael Crabtree Free Agent Signing Grade

The Baltimore Ravens get their veteran receiver in Michael Crabtree and joins John Brown as they continue to improve their pass-catching options for 2018…

The Ravens finally get their veteran receiver in Michael Crabtree that can be a possession receiver Joe Flacco can rely on.

He is the type of receiver that is similar to what the Ravens had with Anquan Boldin when he was with Baltimore. Overall, he is a solid pass catcher with an attitude that could bring some personality on offense as he could help mentor a receiver the Ravens draft in April.

I thought the signing was well worth it, as his contract is less then what was offered to Ryan Grant previously before he failed his physical. The three-year, $21 million dollar deal for Crabtree is a step in the right direction in giving Flacco more pass catchers as it may not be the last signing the Ravens make in free agency.

Free Agency Grade: A

The 30-year old receiver from Texas Tech and former San Francisco 49er/ Oakland Raider is coming off of the worst season of his career (with either team), but still had 58 catches, 618 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2017.

Ever since the Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 when he played for the San Francisco 49ers, Crabtree has had a history against the Ravens, especially as a Raider when he has caused Ravens cornerbacks fits. He scored multiple touchdowns against good cornerbacks like Jimmy Smith.

His production, toughness, and size is something the Ravens lacked last year and will be huge in the red zone.

Editor’s Note

It will be interesting to see whether or not the Ravens are investigated by the NFL for failing Ryan Grant in his physical so quickly after it became known that Michael Crabtree would become available. Grant’s agency said his ankle is healthy and has been double-checked by doctors, so the NFL may want to look into this.