Ravens named landing spot for 'sure-handed' WR

The Ravens have a few wide receivers who are set to become free agents following the 2023 season, but Pro Football Focus believes they should add one of free agency's top playmakers instead.

PFF named Baltimore a "landing spot" for Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr., who ranks as the second-best wide receiver and No. 11 overall free agent this offseason.

"Why not add a sure-handed possession receiver that is still getting better," PFF's Brad Spielberger writes. "The Ravens finally hit on an early-round wide receiver with 2023 rookie Zay Flowers, but pairing his speed and field-stretching ability with an underneath target who can rack up yards after the catch would be a huge boost for Lamar Jackson."

The No. 34 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has certainly earned himself a good payday after posting 296 catches for 3,159 yards and 14 touchdowns in the past three years. According to Spotrac, Pittman Jr. should receive a four-year, $90.86M contract ($22.7M per year).

Although Baltimore would surely love to add Pittman Jr. to Jackson's arsenal, money is a little tight heading into 2024. 

The Ravens are projected to have just $13.65M in cap space, per PFF. They will be able to make some moves to free up more money, but it still may not be enough to add Pittman Jr.

If Baltimore does find a way to add the 26-year-old, however, it will solidify its top two wide receivers for years to come. Flowers and Pittman Jr. would complement each other very well with their different skill sets.

Maybe more importantly, it would allow the Ravens to not risk using another first-round pick on a wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft. Outside of Flowers, they haven't had the best track record of drafting the position.

Pittman Jr. would give Baltimore the luxury of picking the best player available, which is what the team prefers to do anyway.