The free-agent market hasn’t been what many expected this offseason, seeing several players sign deals that are well below what we’ve seen in recent years. Due to the reduction in salary cap for the first time in more than a decade, there simply isn’t the type of money flowing we usually see. Now it seems the Baltimore Ravens are taking advantage of such a down market, sniffing around one of free agency’s top wide receivers.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and confirmed by The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, the Ravens have reached out to Kenny Golladay’s agent. While there’s been no indication a deal is imminent, the fact they at least picked up the phone is important.
While Golladay had a down year, his previous two seasons point to a very high ceiling. From 2018-2019, Golladay caught 135 passes for 2,253 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was on track for similar production in 2020 before a hip injury ultimately sidelined him for most of the year, seeing him play in just five games.
If Golladay’s hip checks out medically, he would be an ideal pickup for Baltimore. The Ravens truly need an outside possession receiver who can win one-on-one matchups, beat out defenders in contested catches, and create first downs in critical situations.
At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds with a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, Golladay can play inside but can be downright dominant on the outside. Despite missing almost all of the 2020 season, Golladay is third in contested catches since 2019, according to Pro Football Focus. Golladay is also a first-down machine, moving the chains on 141 of his 183 career receptions.
While it was expected Golladay could cash in this offseason, the down market could mean he’s falling right into Baltimore’s price range. The longer he sits available, the better of a chance the Ravens have of getting him at a steal if they’re truly interested.
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