Baltimore Ravens sign WR Griff Whalen after passing physical

Update (7/21/17, 2:34 p.m.): Griff Whalen has passed his physical, and has signed a deal with the Ravens, per NFL’s Network’s Ian Rapoport:

The Baltimore Ravens are quickly approaching training camp, but before it opens, it is being reported that they plan to make another addition to their wide receiver corps according to the Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec.

This doesn’t necessarily mean the signing is imminent, but with Whalen unlikely to draw many other suitors at this point, it is hard to believe that the few potential hurdles that Zrebiec mentioned can’t be overcome.

This is an intriguing possible pickup late in the game by Ozzie Newsome and company, and could solve a few problems for the team. The first would be to simply provide depth to a receiving unit that badly needs it behind its three starting options. The second solution Whalen provides is help at the returner position, which has been a revolving door of utter nonsense since Jacoby Jones left town. It reached a crescendo with the disastrous Devin Hester signing last season.

In terms of what he brings as a player, Whalen is scrappy, gritty, sneaky athletic and brings a workman-like attitude in a similar fashion to someone like Danny Woodhead. This addition may not move the needle in the way an Anquan Boldin reunion would have, but don’t be surprised to see Whalen make the team come September if he signs a deal with the Ravens.