With the departures of Torrey Smith and Owen Daniels the Ravens biggest need at the moment is finding weapons for Joe Flacco. There was reported interest in both Scott Chandler and Andre Johnson but both are now off the market. Chandler signed with the Patriots yesterday and Andre Johnson joined the Colts earlier this week.
After seeing the contract Johnson signed with the Colts, the Ravens probably never had a realistic shot to land him. He was out of Ozzie’s price range and signing with the Colts, another AFC South team, gives him the opportunity to exact revenge on his previous employer twice a year.
Now that the initial frenzy of free agency has passed Ozzie Newsome will go to work. While the options are far more scarce at the wide receiver position than they were a week ago, there are still some solid options on the market. Out of all of them the one that makes the most sense is Dwayne Bowe.
Bowe was released by the Chiefs on Thursday. After giving Jeremy Maclin $55 million over 5 years, the writing was on the wall for the former Pro Bowler. He signed a five year $56 million dollar contract in 2013, but never lived up to the expectations that went along with his monster deal. His numbers fell off drastically the past couple of seasons.
After posting big numbers in 2010 and 2011, Bowe has failed to crack 1,000 yards the last three years. Bowe failed to record a single TD reception last year, as did every other wide receiver for Kansas City. Despite his dip in production Bowe makes a lot of sense for the Ravens.
For starters Bowe was cut by the Chiefs. Signing him would not count against the Ravens compensatory picks in 2016.
Bowe is also still young in terms of wide receivers. Despite his recent down years Bowe is only 30 years old. Compare that to Andre Johnson who will be 34 before the 2016 season starts. Bowe’s drop in production likely has less to do with his age, and more to do with who the Chiefs have had under center.
The list of quarterbacks Bowe has caught passes from in his career is far from an impressive one. They include the likes of Brodie Croyle, Tyler Thigpen, Matt Cassel, Tyler Palko, Brady Quinn, Chase Daniel and Alex Smith.
At first glance it looks like a who’s who list of career back ups. In Baltimore, Bowe would have the opportunity to catch passes from a Super Bowl MVP, and would serve as a top option along with Steve Smith. There are a lot of speedy receivers the Ravens could take at the bottom of the first round. Bowe, along with Steve Smith and a rookie with good speed would provide a nice arsenal of weapons for Joe Flacco.
Bowe also has a great reputation among those he has played with. While the outside perception of him may be different, his past teammates and coaches have always praised him for his team first attitude. Despite some down years with the Chiefs and a lack of quality play at the quarterback position Bowe has never complained. He’s never lobbied for more targets and despite being cut was very classy on his way out the door in Kansas City.
Can Dwayne Bowe return to his Pro Bowl form of 2011?
It’s unlikely, but with anyone besides a career backup under center it would be interesting to find out. Even if he doesn’t play like an all-star Bowe would be a good fit for the Ravens in 2015.
Not to mention, number 82 is now available.
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