OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- There was a collective groan from the Baltimore Ravens' fan base, and even some players themselves, on Tuesday night when the Miami Dolphins put the franchise tag on wide receiver Jarvis Landry.
But the Ravens' 15-year history says the team wouldn't have pursued Landry or any of the wide receivers whose contracts are expiring. The last unrestricted free-agent wide receiver whom Baltimore signed to a multiyear deal was Frank Sanders in 2003.
When the Ravens have needed an experienced wide receiver, their preferred routes are to either sign one who has been cut by another team or acquire one through a trade.