On February 17th, the Baltimore Ravens acquired Donte' Stallworth after he was released by the Cleveland Browns. At the time, I said I would not give my opinion about the signing because I wanted to see what, or if, the Ravens would follow up that deal with another deal.

 

Well, the Ravens followed it up by trading for Anquan Boldin. Boldin was unhappy with the lack of appreciation he felt he was getting from the Arizona Cardinals. Before the Cards drafted Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin was  the team's number one option. Once Fitzgerald burst on the scene, Boldin was not satisfied with playing second fiddle. Fitzgerald then got the number one receiver money, and the relationship was irreconcilable. Someone had to go and the Cardinals made it loud and clear that it wasn't going to be Fitzgerald.

 

The Ravens desperately needed a receiver who could provide a threatening presence, and the Cardinals needed a team who was willing to meet their demands. The results were the Ravens sending their third and fourth round picks to the Card in exchange for Boldin and their fifth-round pick.

 

Those of us in the media are always talking about who wins and loses in a trade scenario. The Ravens clearly won in this case. The Cardinals have an All-World receiver, but no one remaining on their current roster is nearly the calliber as Boldin. The Ravens, on the other hand, could not have made out better. They have a receiver who has, at least three to four years left at peak level, and one who has to prove that he can still be a Pro Bowl type number one receiver.

 

Now, I love the Stallworth move. He is not going to be expected to be the team's leading receiver. He is now going to be in his rightful place as the Ravens' number two, or maybe number three option. Things are looking better in Baltimore

 

Rob Long