The Baltimore Ravens were weak at the wide receiver position last season, but they feel that is about to change.
They signed Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason, and although he may not be exactly what he used to be following two torn ACLs, they’re hoping he’ll at least show flashes of his vintage self.
Then there is Zay Flowers, who was a first-round pick in April’s draft.
Many feel he has star potential, which apparently led to him getting a big signing bonus from the Ravens.
When he told his teammates that his signing bonus was $7 million during a team meeting, his teammates lost their minds, particularly Beckham, as seen via Twitter.
Name: @ZayFlowers
School: Boston College
Signing bonus… @obj fell over ???? pic.twitter.com/HrNblJnEjX
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 30, 2023
When a rookie commands big money, it’s the kind of thing that has the potential to cause jealousy or even dissension among his team.
But there is plenty of optimism surrounding the Ravens right now.
After a contentious offseason in which it looked like he was as good as gone, quarterback Lamar Jackson was given a huge five-year, $260 million deal, which should ensure he will remain in Baltimore for some time.
As long as he stays healthy, the team should be able to build on what it did last year when it went 10-7 despite Jackson missing the last five games of the season with a knee injury.
Even if their passing offense isn’t quite what they expect it to be, the Ravens should continue to be stingy on defense.
Linebacker Roquan Smith was named to both the Pro Bowl and All-Pro First-Team in 2022, and once cornerback Marlon Humphrey returns from a foot injury, he will provide support in the secondary.
NEXT: Ravens Release 2-Time Pro-Bowl Running Back
