OTL: No Room for These Two Available Veterans

While the Ravens continued to enjoy their week off, we had an avalanche of news on Thursday. The information relates to a position that the team just lost, and it is a big name. As we have discussed, the Ravens will not make a move just to make a move, and they do their homework to see if a player is a fit.

It is rare in the NFL to get big names available this late in the season, but it does happen sometimes. The reason may be a team wanting to look at a younger player, or that player may not have fit the team’s culture, so they cut bait. We have two examples to discuss today, so let’s get to it.

The first subject is the more prominent name and the one the Ravens will likely more strongly consider, along with being the most recent:

Trying new things in retirement, so let’s steal @AdamSchefter job for a day…

TE Zach Ertz has requested & been granted his release from the Arizona Cardinals.

The 3-Time Pro Bowler plans to sign with a contender and make a run at his 2nd Super Bowl ring.

(This is easy Adam) pic.twitter.com/pK4qCcCfay

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 30, 2023

Zach Ertz brings the resume with him. He was a star in Philly and won a Super Bowl. The problem is that Ertz is not the same player he was in Philly. In fact, he might be multiple levels below that guy now as he ages. He still brings a veteran presence to the team, and the Ravens could use a tight end with Mark Andrews down for the count this season.

It is not surprising that other reports have already linked the Ravens with Ertz:

Keep an eye on the #Ravens (Mark Andrews out for the season) and possible #Eagles renunion (still missing Dallas Goedert) as potential landing spots for Zach Ertz — should he clear waivers.

The 3x Pro Bowl TE wants to play for a contender, while both Lamar Jackson and Jalen… pic.twitter.com/py2Ls99eaA

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 30, 2023

The question becomes, is he a real need, or is he just a luxury for the Ravens? We saw some unique ways of using Isaiah Likely last Sunday by Todd Monken, and Charlie Kolar needs a chance to prove himself anyone starts making any proclamations about him. If the Ravens add Ertz, it would no doubt get the fanbase excited, but he is not the playmaker he once was.

Ertz and Andrews have similar playing styles, but so does Kolar. If Kolar wasn’t on the team, knock yourself out, but I will have to say no. Let’s get the receivers going instead of adding an old tight end.

The following veteran is a familiar name, Marcus Peters. Peters has been bad for the Raiders this year, and he got his walking papers.

While he is a familiar name, don’t count on this one. The Ravens already have depth in Ronald Darby, Rock Ya-Sin, and others if Marlon Humphrey goes down again, and as mentioned, Peters has been bad this year.

It can’t be that bad, right? Right?

Why Marcus Peters is a FA pic.twitter.com/4C63fiYo2W

— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) November 30, 2023

Oh, I see, so it is that bad. While Peters seems like a guy who feeds off of being in a competitive environment and would theoretically play better if he were on a better team, he won’t return.

The reason is we have enough talent led by a big breakout player holding it down:

Ravens CB Brandon Stephens is currently the #1 targeted cornerback in the league.

He’s been targeted a total of 83 times this season and has given up a total of 506 yards. pic.twitter.com/yac966VexN

— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) November 30, 2023

It would make sense if Stephens weren’t performing, but as things stand, there is no reason for a reunion. With Marlon returning with these other corners, there isn’t a spot for Peters to start, and it is unknown how he feels about being a rotational player.

So, should the Ravens bring in these two guys? No. We have too much young depth that needs an opportunity for Ertz, and we have too many good corners to make room for Peters. I wouldn’t complain if EDC felt he could get them cheap or if the team doesn’t like Kolar now (for some reason). But he spent two fourth-round picks on these tight ends; it is time to see what they are made of.

While Ertz and Peters bring the resumes, they don’t bring the production they once did, and the Ravens right now are either too deep or have no need for these two.

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