As reported in numerous outlets today, the Baltimore Ravens signed former New York Giant Wide Receiver David Tyree, and released Tony Curtis.
With the Ravens recently losing Special Teams Ace Brendon Ayanbadejo to injury, part of me likes the signing. Tyree has always had the reputation of being strong on Special Teams, so that is a good thing.
Despite that, it is hard to not see this being a precursor to eventually releasing Demetrius Williams. If that is the case, I do not like the signing at-all.
Tyree is 29 years old, and missed all of 2008 with a knee injury.
Some of you are saying, what is the difference between him and the injury-prone Williams then? To me, the largest difference is the fact that Williams is still only 26. Beyond that, Williams has averaged 15.7 yards per reception for his career, compared to 12 yards per catch for Tyree. Lastly, Williams has 55 career receptions in 33 games, while Tyree has 54 receptions in 73 career games. Obviously part of that relates to Tryee’s extended Special Teams play, but I think it also illustrates that Williams has been a more valuable receiving weapon.
Baltimore’s front-office deserves credit for the production they have received out of Kelley Washington. Washington had a combined 20 receptions the 3 previous seasons, but already has 17 during 2009. The Ravens get kudos for seeing his potential, and believing he could help. Still, if Mason or Clayton were to go down for any extended period, I am not excited about having to rely on Washington.
As much as the Ravens have been throwing, it boggles my mind that Williams has zero-receptions after 5 games. He has physical gifts, that no other Raven receiver has. Perhaps the injuries have sapped some of Williams athleticism, or development. Or perhaps there are other underlying issues about why Williams has seemingly been pushed out.
Williams has a resume equally good as either Washington, or Tyree; and is younger than both. I would like to see him get another opportunity. His ability to be a vertical threat, could be exactly what this offense requires.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.