A year ago, the Baltimore Ravens pulled the trigger on a surprising trade, which is sent tight end Hayden Hurst to the Atlanta Falcons. Hurst was getting overlooked in the Ravens system because of stud Mark Andrews. The Ravens weren’t able to replace Hurst.
The Ravens are in the market for another tight end in NFL Free Agency. They need another pass-catcher who can complement Mark Andrews. The Ravens did just resign Eric Tomlinson, but Tomlinson is primarily a blocker and he was not featured in the Ravens passing game this year.
The Ravens will add a pass-catching tight end whether it be in free agency or the draft. Here are three free-agent tight ends that the Ravens could go after.
Free Agent TE Targets for the Ravens
Gerald Everett
Gerald Everett is a 26-year-old tight end. He’s spent the last four years on the Rams, where he’s been consistently underutilized. Everett can and does line up inside, in the slot, outside and in the backfield. He can block, but he makes his money as a pass catcher.
Everett had a strong 2020, despite the lack of opportunity. He averaged over 10 yards per catch and more than 50% of his receptions were good for a first down. He has 58% of his yards after the catch. Everett did not drop a pass in 2018 or 2019, but he did drop seven in 2020. The Ravens might be wary of those drops, but Everett will still be a hot commodity in free agency.
Jacob Hollister
Jacob Hollister is 27 years old coming off of a down year. He was traded from the Patriots to the Seahawks two years ago. Hollister had a big 2019, in part, due to numerous Seattle tight end injuries. He does a great job of reading soft spots in zone coverage.
Hollister was a great blocker in college, getting ranked by PFF as the fourth-best blocker in his draft class, but he has taken a big step back in the NFL. He is a suspect blocker and, while the issues look to be coachable, that is a big red flag for a Ravens team that runs the ball more than any team in the league. Hollister has never had more than 41 receptions in a season, but he has flashed in his limited role. He has had six touchdowns with just 74 receptions!
[sc name=”nfl-fa-date” ]Trey Burton
Trey Burton is the grandfather of this list. He is going into his eighth season in the NFL, after playing for three teams and winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles. He is a capable blocker, especially against cornerbacks and safeties. Burton is also a good route runner. He knows how to use space and his body to create opportunities. Burton does, however, have a tendency to drop some passes.
Burton had 30 touches in 13 games this year, scoring five times. He hasn’t gotten many opportunities. Burton has only had one season when he has played over 50% of the offense’s snaps. Burton does a good job of picking up the first down. One big red flag is his catch rate. Over the last two years, he has a catch rate under 60%.
