Maclin Scheduled to Visit Ravens After Bills
Yesterday, we talked about the Ravens being the best fit for free-agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
Now it's looking like more of a possibility that he actually comes to Baltimore.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Maclin is scheduled to visit the Buffalo Bills today with "plans being made" to visit the Ravens Wednesday.
Of course, Ravens fans would love for Maclin to come to Baltimore first. After all, the Ravens have a strong track record for closing deals.
"Some believe Maclin won't leave Buffalo on Tuesday without a contract," ESPN's Jamison Hensley wrote.
"If Maclin gets to Baltimore, the Ravens have a history of not letting highly sought-after wide receivers go elsewhere. Just ask Steve Smith Sr. and Mike Wallace. The Ravens reached agreements with both before they could leave the team facility for another free-agent visit."
So what do the Bills have to offer versus the Ravens? Let's look at some key factors:
Money: Buffalo has more money as of now. According to BuffaloBills.com's Chris Brown, they have almost $13 million. The Ravens went into yesterday with reportedly less than $5 million, and cleared another $1 million with the release of cornerback Kyle Arrington, per Russell Street Report's Brian McFarland.
Opportunity: Like the Ravens, the Bills have question marks behind their top two receivers. Buffalo has Sammy Watkins and second-round pick Zay Jones as their projected starters, but both are hurt. Behind them is Brandon Tate, Andre Holmes, Corey Brown, Rod Streater, former Raven Jeremy Butler and more. The Ravens have Wallace and Breshad Perriman as their projected starters with Michael Campanaro (sprained toe), Chris Moore, Chris Matthews and others behind them.
Championship possibility: The Bills haven't been to the playoffs since 1999 and finished third in the AFC East last season at 7-9. The Ravens have won two Super Bowls and gone to the playoffs 10 times since 1999.
Coaches: The Bills have a new staff led by Head Coach Sean McDermott and Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison. Bills Quarterbacks Coach David Culley was Maclin's position coach in Kansas City for the past four seasons. The Ravens have Head Coach John Harbaugh and Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who was Maclin's offensive coordinator in Philadelphia for his first four seasons.
Quarterback: Buffalo brought back Tyrod Taylor after he reportedly took a $10 million pay cut in 2017, but McDermott indicated that he'll have to earn the starting job. In other words, it's somewhat in flux. Taylor used to back up Joe Flacco in Baltimore, including when Flacco won Super Bowl XLVII. There's no question who will be gunslinging in Baltimore this season.
Taylor and Bills running back LeSean McCoy are trying their hardest to recruit Maclin, according to The Buffalo News. McCoy said at his charity softball game Sunday morning that he was the first person to talk to Maclin. The two played together in Philadelphia.
"Don’t be surprised if it happens," McCoy said of Maclin signing in Buffalo, per ESPN's Mike Rodak.
Where you at Eric "The Recruiter" Weddle???
Dumervil Is Third Raven Headed to San Francisco
New San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch must have really liked the Ravens' roster last season.
Lynch signed pass rusher Elvis Dumervil to a reported two-year deal Monday. That means three Ravens from last year's team will be wearing scarlet and gold next season: Dumervil, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and center Jeremy Zuttah (trade).
"San Francisco Ravens?" ESPN's Jamison Hensley wrote.
Dumervil spent four seasons in Baltimore, notching 35.5 sacks. He went from 17 sacks in 2014 to six in 2015 and three last year when battling a lingering Achilles injury. At 33 years old, he'll try to top the 100-career sacks milestone (he currently sits at 99).
Lynch tweeted news of the deal first:
Way-Too-Early Mock Draft Sends WR to Ravens
Not sure why now is the time for this, but I'm still passing it along.
CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson released his way-too-early 2018 NFL mock draft yesterday, and he's sending a wide receiver to Baltimore.
First of all, I like where Wilson has the Ravens picking. If they're at No. 29, as Wilson projects, that means they made a deep playoff run.
Second, I like the pick, and I think you will too. Wilson is sending Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley to Baltimore.
"Breshad Perriman might be preparing for a breakout season, but the reality is that the Ravens have never had two 1,000-yard receivers in a season," Wilson wrote.
Ridley is 6-foot-1, 188 pounds. He posted 89 catches for 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman, then 72 receptions for 769 yards and seven more scores as a sophomore. He has the size and breakaway speed.
And he plays for Alabama, so you know Newsome will have his eye on him next season.
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