Brandon Stokley and Dallas Clark have recently been signed by the Baltimore Ravens, who are now looking to revive their offense after injuries and trades have made some of Joe Flacco's favorite targets vanish. Both Clark and Stokley have played on the Indianapolis Colts during Jim Caldwell's tenure there. Jim Caldwell, who is now the offensive coordinator for the Ravens, shouldn't have to work too hard to get both guys learning the system.
TE Dallas Clark is 34 years old, but is still playing hard in the NFL. Clark is expected to help fill the void of Dennis Pitta, while complementing TE Ed Dickson and possibly TE Visanthe Shiancoe. Clark had 47 receptions for 435 yards and four touchdowns in 2012 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those stats aren't too bad for an aging tight-end. Clark shouldn't be pushed to the side at all. With Ed Dickson out with a hamstring injury for the next couple weeks, it is likely that Dallas Clark will get most of the reps with the starters in both practices and games.
WR Brandon Stokley is 37 years old, but he is still kickin' it. Stokley played for the Ravens over a four-year span during 1999-2002, where he won Super Bowl XXXV. Stokley also caught a touchdown pass in the 34-7 victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. Brandon Stokley also won Super Bowl XLI with the Colts, where he played for Ravens' OC Jim Caldwell. Stokley had 45 receptions for 544 yards and five touchdowns in 2012 with the Denver Broncos. He might not be the youngest and fastest wide receiver that the Ravens could put out on the field this season, but he will provide a lot of leadership for a team that has begun to lack it after the departures of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin, and Bernard Pollard.
Overall, both additions seem to make perfect sense. The two guys know the system, they know how Caldwell works, they are both very talented, and they both can provide a sense of leadership in the locker room. Both Stokley and Clark should be nice acquisitions by the Baltimore Ravens.
The only question is whether it will help the Baltimore Ravens at all, and I believe it will. Clark and Stokley can both bring a lot to the receiving corps of the Ravens, even though both are well over thirty years of age. Stokley plays well in the slot, which is what the Ravens are in dire need of, while Clark is just like any other TE; able to grab balls out of the air with force.
Brandon Stokley will be wearing #80, as he formerly did with the Ravens. He will also practice on Monday with the team. As for Dallas Clark, he will be in Baltimore on Monday to take his physical.
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED...
Check out this article that tells why signing Stokley was a good move.
If you want to know more about what Dallas Clark brings to the table, click here.