Ravens release Michael Crabtree after one season

The Baltimore Ravens released Michael Crabtree on Monday after the veteran receiver saw his role diminish significantly when the team turned to Lamar Jackson as its starting quarterback.

Crabtree caught 54 passes for 607 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games this year with the Ravens, his first season in Baltimore. But in the season’s final seven games – all of which Jackson started – the Ravens transformed their offense to become a run-first, ball-possession outfit. Over that span, Crabtree caught just 13 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown.

Crabtree, 31, just completed his 10th season in the NFL, with previous stops at the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. At the time, it seemed like a solid signing for the receiver-needy Ravens. Even after his lackluster 2017 season, Crabtree was averaging 763.3 receiving yards and nearly six touchdowns per season. 

Looking for the best online betting site? Visit Heritage Sports!

Given his age and recent output, Crabtree shouldn’t be expected to command a lucrative deal in free agency. However, given the typically solid, but not great nature of the wide receiver free agency market, he will get signed by someone — like, say, the Cowboys, who didn’t pick up Terrance Williams’ option, could lose Cole Beasley in free agency, and already employ Crabtree’s former teammate, Amari Cooper. It’s just an idea.

For the Ravens, not much changes. Even if they’d kept Crabtree around for another season, they still would’ve needed to upgrade at receiver to provide Jackson with the help he needs as he looks to make the leap from an electrifying runner, but inconsistent passer to an electrifying runner and consistent passer. It seems unlikely the Steelers would be willing to trade Antonio Brown to their rivals in the AFC North. With that in mind, the Ravens might need to target a receiver or two in the draft.

Get all the latest Betting and Sport News updates on your social media outlets. Find us on both Facebook and Google+!