Are Ravens Right Fit for WR Nelson Agholor?
While new Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor may not solve the team’s collective pass-catching problems, he may be in position to help more than one might think.
Baltimore agreed to a one-year deal with Agholor last week, paying him a base of $3.25 million with incentives that make it worth up to $6.25 million. The eight-year veteran has compiled 4,246 yards on 340 catches with 31 touchdowns throughout five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, one with the Las Vegas Raiders and two with the New England Patriots.
Though his resume may do little to inject excitement across the fanbase, a fresh start in Charm City may be exactly what he needs to reignite his career.
Agholor’s best season came in 2020 as a member of the Raiders, in which he set career-highs in receiving yards (896) and yards-per-reception with 18.7. In fact, the former USC Trojan parlayed his performance into a two-year, $22 million contract with the Patriots in the 2021 offseason.
Despite being brought in to serve as the team’s top perimeter receiver, Agholor was never able to find his footing in New England. Although he would contribute the occasional aesthetically-pleasing play, ball security would continue to plague him, having been credited with four dropped passes and two fumbles during his Patriots’ tenure.
In two seasons in New England, Agholor recorded just 68 catches for 835 yards and five touchdowns.
The writing was on the wall for Agholor’s departure as his playing time dwindled down the stretch last season. He did not record a reception in the Patriots last three regular season games and played just four snaps in the season finale. During his final season with the Pats, Agholor caught just 31 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns.
While Agholor must atone for many of his struggles, some of the blame could be found with improper utilization, especially by New England’s 2022 offensive coaching staff. At his best, the soon-to-be 30-year-old uses his speed and ability to get open over the top on vertical routes, regularly finding separation from his opponents. Should the Ravens be able to draw up situational opportunities for him to shine in this fashion, he will exhibit far greater production than he did with New England.
With quarterback Lamar Jackson possibly having played his final down in Baltimore, coach John Harbaugh’s team will rely on well-rounded veterans to lead their offense by example.
By all accounts, Agholor is a beloved teammate who not only commands the respect of his teammates but also acts in their best interest. During New England’s Week 14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Agholor was the first to recognize that teammate DeVante Parker was ailing after a hit to the head and attempted to alert the officials. “I care about my guys, and we know that that’s a serious thing,” Agholor said when asked about the situation following the game. Accordingly, Parker credited Agholor with helping to protect his health.
With Baltimore, Agholor will join a talented, young core of wideouts including Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay and James Proche — a positional group in which he may provide veteran wisdom and experience.
Though the Ravens may still look to add help at the receiver position, Agholor’s skill and savvy may provide the team with significant depth, as well as notable potential.
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