Super Bowl Champion WR1 and Lamar Jackson to be paired by the Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have been trying to counterbalance their strong passing game with a more potent passing attack, despite having a dominant rushing attack in recent years. The wide receiver class of free agents in 2024 is strong and has options that might help the Ravens in the preseason.
In a piece published on Bookies.com, Adam Thompson examined the likelihood that a player will play for a different team in the future. The Ravens have +2000, or 4.8%, implied odds to sign Super Bowl champion wide receiver Mike Evans, according to Bookies.com.
Since his arrival in the NFL, Evans—who the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected in the first round of 2014—has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable receivers.
“It’s believed he’ll command upwards of $20 million annually, on a deal that could range 3-4 years,” Thompson stated.
Evans is a powerful red zone threat who has the ability to overwhelm defenses. “In all ten seasons, Evans has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards. In 2023, he gained 1,255 yards, which ranked third in his career, according to Thompson.
At +300, the Houston Texans are the current favorites, followed closely by Evans’ former team, the Buccaneers, at +325.
“The Baltimore Ravens must replace Odell Beckham Jr., but as the off-season approaches, they are over the cap,” wrote Thompson.
Mike Evans Has the Potential to Elevate Lamar Jackson
The Ravens, coming off a disappointing 2022 season, turned their attention to strengthening the receiving corps. They signed Beckham to a one-year contract after selecting wide receiver Zay Flowers in the first round.
Thompson stated, “The thought of playing with Lamar Jackson and competing for a Super Bowl keeps open a glimmer of a shot,” despite the Ravens’ current 8th-place odds of +2000.
Even though Baker Mayfield helped the Bucs win the season and advance to the playoffs, Evans would be joining the Ravens, who are led by Jackson, a team capable of winning a Super Bowl.
Evans would provide the Ravens with the endzone threat at wide receiver they have been lacking for years. Not one Raven This season, wide receivers scored more than five touchdowns through the air, while tight end Mark Andrews led the team with six touchdowns despite missing most of the campaign.
Including playoff and regular season touchdowns, Evans has scored 99 touchdowns in his career. This season, he has scored 12 touchdowns, marking his fifth career double-digit touchdown total.
Evans reached 1,000 receiving yards for the tenth consecutive season, Thompson noted, Flowers
Evans’ addition would pair Flowers and Evans with Andrews and Isaiah for the Ravens. Most likely in the position of tight end.
Jackson set a career high this season with 3,678 passing yards, and the Ravens could have one of the best passing attacks in the league with Evans, Flowers returning for a second year, and Andrews.
Age & Money May Prevent Ravens From Signing
The first thing the Ravens will need to deal with is money, as Thompson noted. According to Spotrac’s market value predictor tool, Evans is qualified for a $95.3 million, four-year contract.
The Ravens only have $7.3 million in cap space right now, so it will be tough for them to offer that contract. This is according to OverTheCap. The Ravens might not have the luxury of pursuing Evans given the presence of free agents Patrick Queen and Justin Madubuike, two significant players who need to be addressed.
Now, by cutting players like star CB Marlon Humprey or even offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley, the Ravens could free up a large amount of cap space. Eric DeCosta, general manager, will have to decide whether awarding the contract is worthwhile.
While discussing the benefits of including Evans, Thompson also brought up a significant drawback. He wrote, “A number of nagging injuries he’s battled through may start costing him games due to his advanced age for a star receiver (31 by the start of next season).”
Beckham’s contract had the benefit of being a brief agreement. Given his age, Evans’ request for a longer contract might turn off some teams.
