Ravens Free Agency: 'Best Fit' For Odell Beckham Jr. and Teddy Bridgewater?
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While the Baltimore Ravens have been quiet in free agency so far as the Lamar Jackson saga continues to run its course, that won't be the case for the entirety of the offseason.
Rather, at some point they'll have to go out and make some signings, even if they are just depth pieces to retool the roster.
However, while that may be true, ESPN's Bill Barnwell listed the Ravens as the best fit for two more well-known free agents - quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
QB Teddy Bridgewater - Possible deal: One year, $5 million
"Bridgewater is not going to do much more than the occasional scramble as a runner, so he's obviously not a fit for the same offense the Ravens run with Lamar Jackson.
With Jackson's status for 2023 uncertain and Baltimore hiring Todd Monken as offensive coordinator, though, the job posting for the Ravens likely no longer requires experience running quarterback power.
Bridgewater would be a solid fill-in starter if Jackson holds out or leaves the organization and a much better backup than Huntley if Jackson returns and misses time with an injury for the third consecutive year."
Bridgewater is coming off a slightly uninspiring season with the Miami Dolphins, where he started in only two of his five appearances and threw for 683 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Ravens shouldn't completely ignore his season in Miami, but it is likely an outlier as the two seasons prior saw him throw for over 3,000 yards twice.
As for Beckham, the Ravens need more offensive weapons whether or not Jackson is a Raven this coming season, which is what Barnwell notes in his analysis of the fit.
WR Odell Beckham Jr. - Possible deal: One year, $5.5 million
"Beckham would be the team's third option in the passing attack after Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman. He wouldn't have been a great fit for the Greg Roman offense, but the Ravens are shifting styles this offseason.
New offensive coordinator Todd Monken had pleasant things to say about Beckham after coaching him with the Browns in 2019, which can't hurt. Beckham also wouldn't cost the organization the fourth-round compensatory pick it is expected to land for Ben Powers."
There is no denying the talent that Beckham brings to the table, however it isn't unfair to question his health and durability. However, as Barnwell notes, he has familiarity with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Monken was the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2019, which was Beckham's first season in Cleveland. In their one season together Beckham recorded 1,035 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 74 receptions.
On paper, both of these signings could make sense. Yes, the Ravens have Tyler Huntley but Bridgewater could be a better backup plan in Monken's offense.
Beckham, health issues and all, would give the Ravens a third weapon to work with - and if Jackson is a Raven come September it would add to a strong supporting cast for the former MVP.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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