Jeremy Maclin released by the Chiefs, should the Ravens pursue him?

On Friday, the Kansas City Chiefs cut veteran wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Maclin has been very productive over the course of his career, posting over 850 receiving yards in five consecutive seasons, including two where he went for over 1000 yards. Maclin has instantly become the best receiver on the market, but should the Ravens attempt to sign him?

Absolutely, whole-heartedly yes. Maclin is as close to a perfect fit as the Ravens will be able to find.

Previously, options like Anquan Boldin or trading for a receiver have been thrown out. However, Maclin presents the Ravens with an opportunity to add an extremely talented receiver without having to trade away any players.

Arguably the biggest reason why Maclin makes a ton of sense for the Ravens dates back to his time with the Eagles. Maclin played for Eagles from 2009-2014. From 2006-2012 Marty Mornhinweg was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles. Now, Mornhinweg is the Ravens’ offensive coordinator. In other words, Maclin got to play under Mornhinweg’s offensive system for four years while on the Eagles. No one on the Ravens has had anywhere near as much time to learn Mornhinweg’s scheme as Maclin has.

Maclin played well with Mornhinweg because Maclin fits the system perfectly. Maclin was used countless times in Philadelphia as well as in Kansas City on screens. Tape of Maclin shows him being able to take a screen pass, and pick up a lot of yards after the catch. His highlights tapes show him taking such screens all the way to the end zone.

In 2016, Mornhinweg called many screen passes for the Ravens. If he plans to continue that scheme, why not add a receiver who already knows the system and excels at the role he will be put in?

On top of all of this, Maclin can come over the middle to make a catch in traffic, and he still can stretch the field vertically.

As long as the cost is not too great, Maclin could be a perfect fit for a Ravens team that still needs help in the passing game. Breshad Perriman has been impressive in OTA’s, but the Ravens can get the true number one receiver that they still lack in Maclin. General manager Ozzie Newsome should act fast, this is an opportunity he won't want to miss.