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After being cut by the Dallas Cowboys in response to a case of mistaken identity, wide receiver Lucky Whitehead was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets. The Jets weren’t the only team that was interested in Whitehead, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
The other team putting in a waiver claim, the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore could have used his assistance in the return game, where Whitehead specialized in for Dallas. The Ravens ranked 17th in kick return yards (636) and 15th in punt return yards.
When it comes to player stats, Whitehead ranked 17th in kick return yardage (394) and 16th in punt return yardage (195). For Baltimore, Whitehead would have been the leading return man, if he had been claimed.
The waiver claim process is a tricky one. Teams who had a lower record the previous season are awarded with a higher chance of landing their claim. Due to the Jets finishing with a 5-11 record and the Ravens finishing 8-8, New York was able to claim Whitehead.
Earlier in the week, Baltimore signed running back Bobby Rainey to offset the loss of Kenneth Dixon for the season. Rainey has also been instrumental in the return game for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Giants. Rainey was 37th in kick return yardage in the NFL (204).
Now competing for kick and punt return roles will be Rainey, Chris Moore, Keenan Reynolds and a list of undrafted rookie free agents. On August 10, Baltimore fans will be able to get their first look this season of the return men when they take on the Washington Redskins.