With news today that the Saints plan on releasing Lance Moore, the Ravens should take a hard look to see if he would fit into their plans for 2014.
The move makes a lot of sense for the Saints, a team that seems to be in somewhat of a transition. So far this offseason they have released a handful of key veterans who were instrumental in their recent success, Moore being the latest.
But at the age of 30, he most likely still has a couple of good years left in him, and signing him could make a lot of sense for the Ravens.
Known for his shiftiness and speed, Moore has a reputation as a clutch player with great hands who can move the chains and find a hole in the defense on third downs. He can also stretch the field and has big play ability.
Sound like something the Ravens need?
Moore had a disappointing year in 2013 as he missed a few weeks with a wrist injury. When he returned his role diminished as he found himself behind emerging rookie Kenny Stills on the depth chart.
Despite the down campaign, he is only one year removed from a very successful 2012 season in which he had over 1000 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Looking at his career stats, 2012 wasn’t a fluke. While it was his most productive year, he has been a steady contributor for the Saints since becoming a full time starter in 2007.
An undrafted rookie out of Toledo, Moore has a reputation as a grinder, who has a great reputation in the locker room. While Torrey Smith is the unquestioned leader of the Ravens receivier corps, Moore’s veteran presence could be helpful in the development of younger players.
Financially Moore would also make a lot of sense for the Ravens. While there will be suitors for him as free agency approaches, he won’t demand the contracts that other top tier free agent wide receivers will.
Fans would love the addition of an Eric Decker or Julian Edelman but, the “right player, right price” mantra would fit a guy like Moore much better. The top free agent wide receivers will be looking for top dollar, and there is a lot of debate as to whether or not they are worth it.
Decker, Edelman and Hakeem Nicks could all be great additions, but with the salaries they will be demanding, they are risky ones as well. They will eat up a lot of cap space for a team that has a lot of needs to address.
Moore will be a low risk with a potentially high reward. He also won’t jeopardize any future compensatory picks since he was released, something that admittedly makes players more attractive to Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens.
Will Lance Moore make the same splash as some other free agent receivers? No.
Does he make a lot more sense than paying top dollar for what may be a #2 receiver? Yes.
