The Ravens added Panthers all-time leading receiver Steve Smith to help Joe Flacco in the passing game after he regressed in 2013.
After winning the Superbowl in 2012, the Ravens regressed in 2013, going 8-8 and missing the playoffs for the first time since HC John Harbaugh and QB Joe Flacco joined the team in 2008. The team made some key additions to the offense so they can keep up with the rapidly improving defenses of the AFC North.
Players added:
Owen Daniels – TE, Steve Smith – WR, Darian Stewart – S, Jeremy Zuttah – C
A look at each player:
Owen Daniels is a former starting TE for the Houston Texans. He is the Texans’ 2nd all-time leading receiver behind Andre Johnson and in 2012 he made his 2nd Pro Bowl. He will backup Dennis Pitta but will likely see a lot of action in goal-line or 3rd down situations.
Steve Smith is the Panthers’ all-time leading receiver and is in the top 20 in NFL history in receiving yards and all-purpose yards. He will start immediately as the No. 1 or No. 2 receiver across from Torrey Smith.
Darian Stewart is a former Rams safety who has played in 54 games since his rookie season in 2010. Stewart will compete with and most likely back up 3rd-round draft pick Terrance Brooks.
Jeremy Zuttah is a durable center who can also play inside guard and started 76 games in six seasons with Tampa Bay. Zuttah will most likely start at Center immediately.
Grade: B-
The Ravens made all of the right moves with the free agent signings, picking up two immediate starters and some good depth in the secondary and the receiving corps. What the group lacks in quantity it can certainly make up for in quality.
COMMENTS