The Ravens’ interest in Jarvis Landry has apparently reached a new level.
There are multiple reports saying the team has contacted Landry’s agent about a potential trade for the play-making wide receiver. However, the Ravens could face tough competition for his services with at least four other franchises interested in acquiring the three time-time Pro Bowler.
The move makes most sense for the Ravens because they desperately need to boost their passing attack, which was ranked 29th in the NFL last season. The acquisition of Landry, 25, would also take some of the pressure off drafting a wide receiver capable of making an immediate impact in the upcoming season.
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome made it clear last week the team will be aggressive finding game-changing players for quarterback Joe Flacco. Newsome, who is in his last season as GM, wants to add to his already impressive resume by going out a winner.
Apparently, that strategy starts with improving the team’s group of pass-catchers.
“We’re looking for the opportunity to change that room in terms of personnel and the people that’s in that room,” Newsome said at the NFL Combine. “We’re going to leave no stones unturned.”
The Ravens will need to create some salary cap space to sign Landry to a long-term deal. He will likely command a contract in the range of five years and $70 million.
However, Landry would provide the Ravens with the skills to break open a game, something the team has sorely lacked over the past several seasons. That challenge has coincided with a three-year playoff drought.
Landry has caught 400 passes for 4,038 yards and 22 touchdowns over the past four years. Last season, he had 112 receptions for 987 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns.
Landry will reportedly sign the non-exclusive franchise tag with the Dolphins this week. As a result, the Dolphins could begin exploring a trade for him, and the list of potential suitors could increase.
The Ravens have interest because he is a proven commodity. He is the type of dynamic player that could also help put fans back in the seats at M&T Bank Stadium. In addition, the acquisition of Landry would allow the Ravens to be patient in this year’s draft when it comes to grabbing a wideout.
There was already talk at the NFL Combine that Alabama’s Calvin Ridley might not be ready to take over the No. 1 role as a rookie. Ridley did reportedly meet with Ravens officials last week in Indianapolis and there appears to be ongoing interest. However, the Ravens need players ready to make big plays from Day 1 to help solve the problems with the passing attack
Furthermore, Newsome could find potential talented wideouts in the later rounds. Former Maryland wide receiver D.J. Moore is an intriguing Day 2 prospect and could also create a buzz with the local fanbase.
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Adding a player like Landry would also allow Newsome to take the best player available with the 16th overall pick, which could be an offensive lineman such as Orlando Brown Jr. (Oklahoma), Mike McGlinchey (Notre Dame) or Connor Williams (Texas).
In short, the Ravens need talent and could set a positive tone by acquiring Landry.
“We’ll do what we have to do to fill our roster through the draft and through free agency,” owner Steve Bisciotti said. “We’ve got some money, and we can create some more, so I’m not too worried about that right now. I think that what we figured out between what we have and what we can get, I think that we can make a splash and help us on the way to getting our offense clicking better.”
That splash could begin with a player from south Florida.
