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The Baltimore Ravens have become a retirement home of sorts for aging wide receivers in the 2022 season. The franchise picked up another veteran pass catcher on Tuesday as they look to bolster their offensive roster.
Sammy Watkins has signed with the team for a second time in the last two seasons. The nine-year vet played in Baltimore last year before moving on to Green Bay for the first 11 games of this season.
Watkins, a once prized draft pick, saw a significant drop in production after his second year in the NFL. Over those first two seasons, the wideout hauled in 125 receptions for 2,029 yards and 15 scores. Since, he’s averaged just 31 catches for 462 yards a year.
After a disappointing stint with the Packers, he was released by the organization. Baltimore has now picked him up, adding to an already, um, experienced receiver room.
Earlier this year, the Ravens signed DeSean Jackson, a move that’s yet to show dividends. D-Jack has just seven catches through his first five games with the team. Fans don’t believe Watkins will provide the boost that Baltimore is looking for either, and they’ve been posting reactions online.
😭
— Filly (@FlighttoFilly) December 20, 2022
One fan wrote, “I can’t believe this franchise has wasted Lamar’s rookie contract,” as the Ravens continue to fail in getting him a play making wideout.
Another person said, “Ravens with another past their prime receiver,” after seeing the Sammy Watkins news.
Baltimore’s passing game has been lackluster this season, and they’re certainly feeling the effects of losing deep threat Hollywood Brown to the Arizona Cardinals. The Ravens boast the fourth-worst aerial attack in the league, and the addition of Sammy Watkins likely won’t make much of a difference.
Despite the poor production through the air, the Ravens sit atop the AFC North standings. They’ll look to overcome the offensive deficiencies in hopes of landing a Super Bowl.
Related: Sammy Watkins admitted to getting wasted before NFL games