After he was released by the Oakland Raiders last offseason, the Ravens moved quickly to sign wide receiver Michael Crabtree to a three-year, $21 million dollar contract. At the time, the acquisition was well-received by many and expected to pay dividends.
Many thought Crabtree would thrive as the number one option in Baltimore’s revamped passing attack. On the surface, it made sense; his redzone prowess and savy, veteran skills mirrored that of past Ravens receivers who had success in Baltimore, such as Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason.
However, things did not go according to plan.