[ad_1]
The Ravens made their first wide receiver wide this season, agreeing in principle with Seth Roberts on a one-year contract, pending a physical contract.
Roberts was released by the Oakland Raiders a day earlier as part of the review of their receiver. Baltimore, who fills the gaps in his unit, has seized the 28-year-old veteran, who has always performed well.
Roberts enters his early youth and immediately becomes one of the Ravens' most seasoned receivers, joining Willie Snead IV, Chris Moore, Jaleel Scott, Jordan Lasley and others.
By signing Roberts after his removal, Baltimore is an experienced playmaker without having to spend any project capital and without costing a compensatory choice to the Ravens next year.
In his first four seasons, Roberts averaged 40 catches for 457 yards and four touchdowns a year. Last season, he set career highs in receptions (45) and receptions (494).
A native of West Alabama in 2014, Roberts has played all but two games in his four seasons, including 25 starts.
At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Roberts has a speed (he ran a 4.44 at his professional day) and a height. He showed a knack for grabbing clutches, while his four winning touchdowns in 2015-16 led the NFL. He is also a good blocker down the field, which is important in the race-chase pattern between Baltimore and Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens have seen Roberts closely, since they have faced the Raiders each of the previous four seasons. Roberts caught eight passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
Oakland pulled out Roberts because he underwent a complete makeover under new general manager Mike Mayock during the off season, adding Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams and, two days ago, Ryan Grant. Grant's addition pushed Roberts out.
This is the second consecutive season that the Ravens have welcomed a new receiver of the Raiders, while Baltimore chose Michael Crabtree last year. Roberts will not come to Baltimore with the same expectations as Crabtree, but he is helping to strengthen a broad base of experience receivers after the departure of Crabtree and John Brown.
It is almost certain that the Ravens will still tackle the extended receiver position in the NFL draft, but they would not have such a glaring need.
[ad_2]
Source link