Michael Crabtree signs 3-year deal with Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are desperate to add receiving help, and Michael Crabtree fits the bill, signing on the dotted line for three years.

The Oakland Raiders made the curious decision to release Michael Crabtree on Thursday afternoon after coming to terms with 32-year-old receiver Jordy Nelson. The Baltimore Ravens are thankful for that move.

On Friday afternoon, Crabtree and the Ravens came to an agreement on a three-year deal worth $21 million, with $11 million guaranteed. Baltimore has been trying to get receiver help throughout free agency, agreeing to sign Ryan Grant for four years and $29 million earlier in the week. However, that deal had to be scrapped after Grant failed a physical on Thursday night.

After being drafted in the first round by the San Francisco 49ers back in 2009, Crabtree has totaled 6,870 receiving yards and 51 touchdowns.

Contract details

In essence, this is a two-year, $15 million deal for Crabtree, who is coming off a year with 58 catches for 618 yards and eight touchdowns. If Crabtree plays really well over that time, the Ravens can keep him at a medium-sized cap hit for 2020.

National reaction

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Grade

There is nothing not to like about this deal for Baltimore. Crabtree is immediately the best receiver on the roster, and despite being 30 years old, he can still run. If there is one thing Joe Flacco can still do, it’s throw the deep ball. Crabtree has scored 25 touchdowns over the past three seasons, so he brings a welcome skill set to Charm City.

Grade: A-