According to reports, several wide receivers turned down the offer to play for the Baltimore Ravens come next season. And there is a reason behind the reluctance to join the Ravens. Led by QB Lamar Jackson, the franchise finished dead bottom in terms of yards per game. 

Averaging only 171.2 passing yards a game, the Baltimore Ravens finished behind the likes of even the 2-14, New York Jets (174.8). The Ravens are a team that predominantly prefers to run the rock. 

And why wouldn’t they? With a dual-threat QB like Lamar Jackson, it’s only natural for the franchise to run and move the chains. But many have criticized Jackson’s passing ability as well. 

While this issue is still something up for debate, for former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins, playing for the Ravens is a challenge he’s ready to take head-on.

Watkins eager to work with Lamar Jackson 

Watkins, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills franchise back in 2014 has been a reliable wideout over the years. Once a promising talent, Watkins’ career was rocked by several injuries that halted his progress. 

Now nearly 28, Watkins is eager to leave a bigger mark in the NFL with the Ravens.

“I think going through this process and knowing I was going to be a free agent, you look at a lot of different teams and there was one team that stuck out — it was the Ravens,” said Watkins during an online press meet.

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Commenting about Jackson, the wideout said that the two have had a conversation about their future goals heading forward. 

“Kind of talked to him like, ‘Man, this is your show, I just want to be a part of it. You’re a special talent and I just want to come in and try to help out as far as making plays for you, making it easy on you,” Watkins said.

“And he just said the same thing, ‘I just want a guy that can go out there and ball, have fun, enjoy himself, and bring that swagger.’ And I can’t wait to work with him,” he added.

Watkins joins a group of wide receivers already boasting the likes of Marquise Brown and Willie Snead. Unlike his time at the Chiefs, Watkins will be the Ravens’ WR1.

But do you think the duo of Lamar Jackson and Sammy Watkins can help improve the Ravens’ passing game?

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