The Baltimore Ravens brought in some experience at wide receiver, adding free agent Russell Gage. The veteran pass catcher was present at practice Tuesday when he signed. He will be assuming a big role in the upcoming preseason games. The one-year contract terms have not been disclosed to the public as of yet. But this signing gives them depth and competition on the roster. Gage is coming off two different serious injuries in back-to-back seasons, sitting out last year. How will he fare this season with the team?
Baltimore Ravens Add Veteran Russell Gage
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The 28-year-old wide receiver could fit a niche among the other Baltimore Ravens pass catchers. Gage is slated to be the backup slot receiver behind veteran Nelson Agholor, a projected starter. At 6-foot and 195 pounds, he offers reliable hands for Lamar Jackson to throw to.
Despite lacking speed and size, Gage has decent route-running ability and can make contested catches. Former first-round picks Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman will start on the outside. The third receiver spot is up for competition if someone can overtake the reliable 31-year-old.
The Baltimore Ravens still have returner Tylan Wallace and drafted Devontez Walker in the fourth round of this past draft. They signed returner Deonte Harty and veteran Keith Kirkwood to one-year deals, while former quarterback Malik Cunningham is also trying to make the team as a receiver.
Depth, Competition, and Experience at Receiver
Gage has been on two teams in six seasons from the NFC South before coming to the Baltimore Ravens. Entering his seventh year, there might be potential as a contributor who only has 34 starts in the NFL. The former sixth-round pick from LSU in 2018 had his best career stretch three years ago.
This was with the Falcons, as he had back-to-back 770-plus-yard seasons. He also had four touchdowns each year on 66 and 72 receptions. His first two years in Atlanta didn’t amount to much, but he started eight and nine games. Gage followed up by starting 13 games with the Buccaneers, joining a receiver group with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
In 2022, he signed with the Bucs to join forces with Tom Brady initially. Gage had 51 receptions with 426 yards and five touchdowns. After he signed a three-year, $30 million contract that offseason, the talented receiver suffered a five-week hamstring injury. This landed him on injured reserve for most of the year. Gage returned in Week 14 and had career games in Tampa Bay. Unfortunately, his injury history didn’t let up into his 2023 season.
Health a Priority For Gage
The Baltimore Ravens will need Gage to be fully healthy for him to make any sort of contribution to the team in 2024. In 2023, he had a neck injury during the Wild Card Round and suffered a concussion as well. During training camp of that same year, Gage tore his patellar tendon and was out the entire season last year. Hopefully, a comeback is possible coming off back-to-back serious injuries.
He was put on injured reserve and then was released back in March from the Buccaneers. The year before, the veteran took a pay cut to remain in Tampa Bay but due to the injury, was let go. They declined his contract option, letting him become a free agent and now, a Raven. In Baltimore, he will get the first crack at playing in the preseason on Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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