Baltimore Ravens

Is Wes Welker a possibility for the Ravens?

Published Jun. 8, 2015 6:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Ravens ranked dead last in the NFL last season in receiver receptions from the slot with just 62. One of the most prolific slot receivers in league history is on the market.

So that makes Wes Welker a perfect match for Baltimore, right? Not so fast.

Welker is 34 years old and has suffered three concussions the last two seasons. His productivity has also taken a hit, as he averaged a career-worst 9.5 yards per catch in 2014 with Denver.

The fact that Welker is still on the market in the first place doesn't speak well for his career prospects, and retirement was reportedly an option earlier this offseason.

Nonetheless, Welker hopes to play in 2015, and ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley doesn't think the Ravens have ruled out the possibility of bringing him to Baltimore.

The Ravens have a lot of question marks in the receiving game after the departure of Torrey Smith and tight end Owen Daniels, not to mention Dennis Pitta's second rehabilitation from hip surgery.

Second-year receiver Michael Campanaro is a candidate for slot duties, but he suffered a quad injury on the first day of OTAs and is out until training camp. Kamar Aiken, however, is impressing, and the Ravens might be better off teaming him with first-round pick Breshad Perriman on the outside in three-receiver sets, and moving the shifty Steve Smith to the slot.

The lack of a market for Welker could drive down his price to a point that it's worth the risk for the Ravens. An additional safety valve for Joe Flacco underneath is never a bad thing.

h/t: Baltimore Ravens