The Baltimore Ravens need to make a concerted effort to upgrade their weapons offensive this offseason. Regardless of whether Lamar Jackson is re-signed or someone else is the starter in 2023, Baltimore needs to add to its skill positions on offense.
The only bonafide weapon that exists in the passing game is tight end, Mark Andrews. He remains a consistent, reliable target working the middle of the field as one of the best at his position in the NFL. But, the wide receiver position needs some work.
Last season, the most productive wide receiver the Ravens had was Demarcus Robinson. He ended up appearing in all 17 games for Baltimore, catching 48 passes for 458 yards and two touchdowns. Robinson had signed with the Las Vegas Raiders during free agency but was released five months later.
In need of an upgrade, it has been suggested that the Ravens should look into signing Allen Lazard. Lazard has spent the first five seasons of his professional career with the Green Bay Packers after going undrafted out of Iowa State.
With Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling departing during the 2022 offseason, Lazard was thrust into a larger role offensively. He responded well, catching 60 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns.
The former Cyclone would also bring a new dimension to the Ravens’ offense. In recent years they have targeted below-average sized wide receivers as Rashod Bateman, Marquise Brown, Devin Duvernay and Robinson are all 6’1” or shorter. Lazard stands 6’5” and weighs 227 pounds.
He would bring some much-needed size to the wide receiver unit. In addition, he is also a great scheme fit. Baltimore is going to run the ball as much as any team in the NFL. Lazard is an elite run blocker at the wide receiver position, providing an impact even when he isn’t catching passes.
The Ravens assuredly still have high hopes for Bateman developing into a No. 1 receiver. But, even if he achieves that, the team needs more support in the passing game and Lazard is capable of providing that.
