Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome has already said he wants to add some new receivers to the mix. The Ravens are on the lookout for more playmakers, and wide receiver is again a priority this offseason.
But Newsome has not indicated whether the Ravens will try to retain their own receivers scheduled to become free agents in March. Speedster Chris Givens is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and his future in Baltimore is up in the air.
"I have no idea right now," Givens said after the season when asked if he expects to return. "It's just one of those things where I'm just going to take my time and make the best decision."
Givens, who started six games last year, did say Baltimore is a place he would want to play in future seasons.
"I love everything about the Ravens – coaching staff, Ozzie, [Wide Receivers Coach] Bobby [Engram], my teammates – it's a great place overall," Givens said. "They really care about winning. I want to win a Super Bowl and I feel that's the goal every year here, so I feel like that's a plus."
The Ravens acquired Givens from the Rams in Week 5 in exchange for a reported seventh-round draft pick. He went on to play 12 games, catching 19 passes for 346 yards and a touchdown.
Newsome isn't quick to make midseason trades or give up draft picks in the process, but he made the deal for Givens when it was clear rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman would be sidelined for at least several more weeks with a knee injury. Baltimore's offense needed a speed threat, and that's Givens' specialty.
Givens never truly flourished in Baltimore's offense, and he pointed to injuries as part of the reason. Givens did not miss any games, but he said his health hindered him more than he let on during the season.
"It was up and down and I had to fight through injuries," Given said. "It was a year where my persistence was tested.
"I could have just sat down and said, 'My knee hurts, or my ankle hurts,' but I just chose to fight through it and go out there and try to put my best foot forward."
Regardless of whether the Ravens re-sign Givens, competition will be tight at the receiver spot. Perriman is expected to be healthy, Steve Smith Sr. will return for his 16th NFL season, and Ravens are also expected to keep Kamar Aiken. They also have young players like Michael Campanaro, Darren Waller, Chris Matthews and Jeremy Butler who will compete for roster spots.
Givens could find himself in that mix depending on what the Ravens do in free agency and the draft.
