Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is gearing up for a deep pass against the Chiefs. The Baltimore Ravens have been known for their dominant rushing attack in recent seasons, but they are now looking to balance their offense with a stronger passing game. The upcoming wide receiver free agency class in 2024 offers a deep pool of options that could potentially bolster the Ravens heading into the season.
In an analysis by Adam Thompson of Bookies.com, the odds of signing Super Bowl champion WR Mike Evans were examined. Bookies.com gave the Ravens a +2000 or 4.8% implied odds of acquiring Evans for their team.
Evans, who was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014, has established himself as one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL. Thompson noted that there is a belief that Evans could command a contract worth upwards of $20 million annually, spanning 3-4 years.
Evans is known for his ability to excel in the red zone and stretch the defense with his speed. Thompson highlighted that Evans has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in all 10 seasons of his career, with his 1,255 yards in 2023 being the third-highest total of his career.
As of now, the Houston Texans are the favorites to sign Evans at +300, closely followed by his current team, the Buccaneers, at +325. The Ravens, who are looking to replace Odell Beckham Jr., face salary cap constraints as the offseason begins. However, the thought of playing with Lamar Jackson and competing for a Super Bowl keeps the possibility of joining the Ravens alive.
Evans would bring a much-needed threat in the endzone for the Ravens. This season, no Ravens wide receiver had more than 5 receiving touchdowns, while tight end Mark Andrews led the team with 6 touchdowns despite missing a significant portion of the season. Evans, on the other hand, has a career total of 99 touchdowns and scored 12 touchdowns this season alone, marking the fifth time he has hit double-digits in his career.
Thompson also highlighted the receiving yardage of the Ravens’ current pass catchers. Evans reached 1,000 receiving yards for the 10th consecutive season, while rookie Zay Flowers came closest with 858 yards, followed by Beckham with 565 yards.
The Ravens already have six of Lamar Jackson’s top seven pass catchers from last season under contract, including Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Nelson Agholor, and Rashod Bateman. With the potential addition of Mike Evans, the Ravens would have a formidable receiving corps to support their star quarterback.
In a potential game-changing move, the Baltimore Ravens are considering adding wide receiver Mike Evans to their roster. This addition would create a formidable tandem of Evans and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, along with the return of Mark Andrews and the emergence of Isaiah Likely at the tight end position. With Lamar Jackson coming off a career-high 3,678 passing yards this season, the Ravens could become a force to be reckoned with in the passing game.
However, before the Ravens can make any moves, they will need to address the financial aspect. According to Spotrac’s market value predictor tool, Evans is projected to be worth a hefty 4-year, $95.3 million contract. This poses a challenge for the Ravens, who currently have only $7.3 million in cap space, as reported by OverTheCap. Additionally, they have other key players, such as Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen, who are also in need of new contracts.
To free up cap space, the Ravens could consider cutting players like Ronnie Stanley or Marlon Humphrey. However, this decision would require careful consideration from general manager Eric DeCosta. The question remains: is the investment in Evans worth the financial strain it may cause?
While there are certainly benefits to adding Evans to the roster, there are also concerns. At 31 years old, Evans is considered advanced in age for a star receiver. This raises concerns about potential injuries that may start to affect his performance on the field. Unlike Odell Beckham Jr.’s short-term deal, Evans will likely be seeking a longer contract, which may deter some teams due to his age.
In conclusion, the Ravens are faced with a crucial decision regarding the addition of Mike Evans. While his talent and potential contribution to the passing game are undeniable, the financial implications and concerns about his age cannot be ignored. Only time will tell if the Ravens will make the move to secure Evans and solidify their position as a dominant force in the league.
According to the Source heavy.com