The Baltimore Ravens probably aren’t going to land Davante Adams, but there should be a plethora of other wide receiver options available for the team to explore. They need another playmaker to pair with Zay Flowers, as the current group of pass catchers just haven’t been getting the job done.
Let’s face it, in today’s NFL, you need more than one weapon to keep defenses honest. So, who could the Ravens target to add some firepower to their offense?
One potential option could be Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk.
Kirk’s Potential Availability
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently put together a short list of potential trade candidates for the coming weeks, and Kirk’s name surfaced. Benjamin suggests, “It seems unlikely the Jacksonville Jaguars would unload arguably their most reliable wideout at a time Trevor Lawrence and Co. are working to overturn an ugly 0-4 — now 1-4 — start.
Then again, Kirk costs a lot, and Brian Thomas Jr. is bursting onto the scene. Might they prefer to reallocate resources, if another team comes calling with an offer?
He could be a prime candidate to take up slot duties elsewhere.”
Why the Jaguars Might Consider It
Benjamin’s analysis raises some interesting points. While Kirk is a valuable asset to the Jaguars’ offense, his $18 million per year salary is a hefty price to pay, especially for a team still trying to find its footing. The emergence of Brian Thomas Jr. further complicates matters, as he seems poised to take on a larger role in the passing game.
Kirk’s Fit in Baltimore
From the Ravens’ perspective, acquiring Kirk would be a major coup. They desperately need a reliable target opposite Zay Flowers.
Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor just haven’t been cutting it, and Lamar Jackson needs more weapons in the passing game to reach his full potential. Remember that AFC Championship Game last winter?
The Ravens’ run-first approach, while formidable with someone like Derrick Henry, needs a counterbalance.
Kirk, despite not hitting the thousand-yard mark last season due to an injury (he finished with 787), has proven himself as a capable receiver. This season, through five games, he’s already racked up 21 catches for 257 yards and a touchdown. He’s a threat from the slot, and his presence would take some pressure off of the Ravens’ other receivers.
The Bottom Line
If Kirk becomes available, Baltimore should place a call to Jacksonville. It wouldn’t be a blockbuster move for the ages, but it could be the kind of under-the-radar deal that pays dividends for the Ravens. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love to see what Lamar Jackson could do with another weapon at his disposal?
