As reported everywhere, the Baltimore Ravens signed Donte Stallworth yesterday.
My initial thoughts on the signing were very mixed, so I consciously decided to let the signing sink-in overnight, before I weighed-in with an opinion.
This morning, I still have some conflicting views towards this signing.

I guess I do, and I do not find the signing surprising. It is not surprising in the sense that each of the 4 leading Raven receivers from the 2009 season, might not return for 2010. It is not surprising that the Ravens targeted a big, physical receiver with some talent – that due to existing circumstances – they could get at the bargain price of 1 year, and $900,000.

It is surprising to me that the Ravens first substantial move of the off-season is adding a player that missed the 2009 season due to suspension, due to killing a pedestrian while driving drunk.

This is still a John Harbaugh Coached team right? The same Coach Harbaugh that has preached about adding players of a certain level of character? The same Coach Harbaugh that has preached about keeping issues within the lockerroom, and avoiding potential distractions right?

Is not this signing a signing of questionable character? Is not this signing, a signing of potential distraction?

The Ravens let every media member in this City know off the record that Chris McAlister was released in 2008 due to character. When the Ravens lost both Washington, and Webb during the 2009 season and needed another CB to help in Nickel coverage, the Ravens again told plenty of people off the record that they would not look at McAlister. (I know, I know Corey Ivy had the capability of playing the slot receiver).

My point is, even if you disagreed with the Ravens decision not to at-least bring McAlister in for a workout (and I did disagree), I could respect the organization for taking a stand on character. It just seems a bit hypocritical to me, that you now sign Stallworth.

As I said initially, I have conflicting views on the signing. There is another side to consider. That other-side is that while Stallworth’s decision resulted in a terrible result, there is nothing to indicate there has been a regular patter of poor decisions from him. He immediately admitted his error, and dealt with the punishment and public scrutiny. If I believe in 2nd chances, and I advocated for McAlister, and took a stand against Stallworth; I would be the one that is a hypocrite.

Getting past the off-field issues, what about Stallworth on the field?

I am sure he can help, though I question how much. I said to some friends yesterday that maybe he could be a better version of Kelly Washington. Maybe Washington stands out to me, because I was horribly wrong about that signing. When Washington was signed, I remembered the former Tennessee Volunteer as another big, physical WR that had never done much in the league. In Washington’s 4 seasons prior to joining the Ravens, he had caught a total of 20 passes (10 in 2005, 9 in 2006, missed 2007, 1 in 2008). I thought relying on him to be the 3rd or 4th WR was a poor decision, and that he figured to help on Special Teams only. I was wrong, and he caught a respectable 34 passes, including 27 first-downs.

Washington is 6’3, 215 lbs, and will be 31 in August.

Stallworth obviously missed all of last season, and caught just 17 passes in 2008 with Cleveland. In 2006, and 2007 he combined for 84 receptions, and over 1,400 yards. The 6′, 200 lb wideout turns 30 in November. While he has done nothing these past two-seasons, he should still have tread on his tires. As a receiver, you have to like that he has averaged 14.8 yards per reception, and 6 yards after catch for his career.

While I see the opposing view-point, I ultimately think this was a worthwhile signing. My guess is that Mason will comeback for one-year (but likely not before he misses most of Training Camp). I think this signing makes it even more unlikely that a WR is taken with the 1st-round pick. I see the Ravens attempting to obtain Malcom Floyd, and bringing back one of Williams, Washington, or Clayton.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

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.

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