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After being released by the Ravens in late february, veteran wideout Michael Crabtree has finally found a new home: Arizona. Crabtree and the Cardinals were set to agree to a deal a few weeks ago but negotiation talks fell through. Last night, however, both sides were able to reach an agreement, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Sources: The #AZCardinals are closing in on a deal with veteran FA WR Michael Crabtree. He visited a few weeks ago, didn’t agree to terms, but it is almost there this time. Some savvy help in the passing game.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 22, 2019
Crabtree, 31, had an up-and-down performance with the Ravens last season after signing a three-year, $21 million contract. “King Crab” recorded 54 receptions for 607 receiving yards and three touchdowns. 76 of his 100 total targets on the season came between Weeks 1-9 with Joe Flacco at the helm.
Once Lamar Jackson took over the starting quarterback duties, Crabtree posted a mere 13 catches for 123 yards. Crabtree’s skill set didn’t exactly mesh well with the offensive scheme with Jackson under center and he posted arguably his worst numbers since his rookie year.
For the season as a whole, he was once again amongst the league leaders in dropped passes. Perhaps his most memorable performance came in the team’s playoff loss to the Chargers, when Crabtree caught two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.
Crabtree now joins an Arizona team featuring a fairly loaded receiver room. The Cardinals starters are Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Cirk, and behind them are three rookies: Andy Isabella, DeSean Hamilton, and Hakeem Butler, the latter of which is nursing a hand injury.
He is the third Ravens player from the 2018-19 roster to sign with the Cardinals this offseason, as he’ll now be reunited with Terrell Suggs and Maxx Williams. Crabtree was largely a disappointment for Baltimore on the field, but he was a true class act and veteran presence throughout the season.
Crabtree handled the quarterback transition well and went about his business. Now, he’ll have the opportunity to play for another mobile signal-caller in Kyler Murray. Here’s hoping Crabtree finds success in his new home and enjoys a career resurrection.