Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens announced they have signed free agent tight end Dallas Clark after reports have been coming out over the past couple days of mutual interest between the two parties.
This signing comes a day after the Ravens announced the signing of free agent wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who was Clark’s teammate in Indianapolis when Peyton Manning made them two of the top receiving options in the entire NFL.
Clark played last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and posted 47 catches for 435 yards to go along with four touchdowns. Clark has been battling injuries and aging since the 2010 season, and his production has slowed greatly. This created almost no market for Clark this offseason because he is not nearly the player he once was.
The former Indianapolis Colt had never been a traditional tight end during his time in the NFL. He was a pure receiving tight end and lined up in a variety of positions as one of Manning’s favorite weapons. His best season was in 2009, where he posted 100 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns.
This signing comes as a move of desperation from the Ravens, who lost their tight end Dennis Pitta to a season-ending injury during training camp and backup tight end Ed Dickson is fighting a nagging hamstring injury. Clark will be looked upon to be the new third down weapon for Joe Flacco, who lost his two best options with the injury to Pitta and Anquan Boldin leaving via trade.
Erik Sargent is a football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Erik_Sargent, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
