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Ravens WR Tylan Wallace On Roster Bubble?

June 19th, 2024 at 6:35pm CST by Ben Levine

For the second-straight season, Tylan Wallace finds himself on the Ravens roster bubble. As Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic writes, the Ravens wide receiver will once again be competing for one of the final spots on the roster.

This isn’t the first time Wallace has found himself competing for his roster spot. Just last year, it seemed like the former fourth-round pick wasn’t going to last in Baltimore. After all, the organization had invested heavily in the position, adding veterans Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor along with first-round wideout Zay Flowers. With Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay also sticking around, there didn’t seem to be a clear spot for Wallace.

However, the wideout ended up pushing his way on to the opening day roster with a strong training camp and preseason. Unfortunately, that roster spot didn’t lead to production, as Wallace was limited to a single catch during the 2023 campaign. This followed his first two years in the NFL where he hauled in only six total catches.

Considering his lack of production, it’s not a shock that the 25-year-old once again finds himself on the roster bubble. This time around, Wallace doesn’t face as much competition. Beckham Jr. and Duvernay are no longer on the roster, and the team’s most notable addition at the position was fourth-round rookie Devontez Walker.

When we checked in on the position last month, we heard that Wallace could be a candidate to replace Duvernay as a returner. Wallace filled in for Duvernay briefly during the 2023 campaign, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after scoring a game-winning punt return touchdown. Zrebiec shares a similar sentiment about the player’s special teams prowess, especially with former All-Pro returner Deonte Harty away from OTAs and minicamp while dealing with a personal matter. Zrebiec notes that Wallace was an OTA standout for a second-straight year, with the writer estimating that the player led the Ravens in practice receptions.

With only a year remaining on Wallace’s rookie contract, the Ravens may simply opt for a younger player at the position. If that ends up coming to fruition, Wallace will surely get another chance based on his collegiate track record alone. The Oklahoma State product finished his college career having earned a pair of All-American nods.

Latest On Ravens’ Depth At Receiver, Guard

June 10th, 2024 at 9:09pm CST by Ben Levine

The Ravens haven’t done much to address the receiver position this offseason, as the team is set to return much of the same depth chart in 2024. As the coaching staff navigates the last few receiver spots on the roster, they could ultimately decide to add some reinforcement. As Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic writes, “it’s not impossible” that the Ravens add a wide receiver before the start of training camp.

Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor are all but locked in atop the depth chart, and fourth-round rookie Devontez Walker will surely account for another spot. With Odell Beckham Jr. and Devin Duvernay out the door, the Ravens will likely have two more holes to fill at the position. Zrebiec points to Tylan Wallace and Deonte Harty as the most likely candidates for the role, especially considering their ability to replace Duvernay as a returner.

The Ravens have a handful of other notable players who will be competing for one of the receiver spots. Malik Cunningham is a former QB-turned-WR who the Ravens snagged off the Patriots practice squad last season. The team is also rostering Sean Ryan, the team’s lone 2023 UDFA who stuck around at the position.

The current grouping of unsigned veteran receivers isn’t very inspiring, with the likes of Michael Thomas, Hunter Renfrow, and Corey Davis leading the list. While Zrebiec hinted that the Ravens could look to add to the position prior to training camp, the organization could also await the assorted wideouts who will shake loose during the preseason.

Elsewhere in Baltimore, Zrebiec notes that the team is having an open competition with their two starting guard spots. While Ben Cleveland would be the favorite for one of the starting nods, Zrebiec believes the lineman will have to prove he can stay healthy and consistent. Zrebiec also believes former seventh-round pick Andrew Vorhees will eventually work his way into the starting lineup, although the team could temporarily turn to a more experienced option like Josh Jones.

Ravens Activate Two From IR, Sign RB Melvin Gordon Back To PS

January 19th, 2024 at 10:03pm CST by Ely Allen

Ravens fans have been sitting on their hands for nearly three weeks now since the team clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and began resting its starters in anticipation for a playoff run. The wait ends tomorrow with a matchup against the visiting Texans, and the Ravens made a number of roster moves in order to prepare for the divisional-round game.

First, Baltimore brought in some reinforcements from injured reserve. While this move has been expected for some days now, it’s been unclear who exactly would be filling the team’s recent roster vacancies until today. Things became more clear when it was announced that star tight end Mark Andrews, who had been designated for return from IR, would not be available to play against the Texans. With that decision made for them, the Ravens went forward with the activations of wide receiver Devin Duvernay and defensive back Ar’Darius Washington from IR.

Duvernay adds wide receiver depth on the offense but mostly serves as the team’s return specialist. A former All-Pro as a return man, Duvernay was the only Raven returning any kickoffs or punts up until his injury. With his replacement, Tylan Wallace, declared out for Saturday with a knee injury, returning duties will fall directly back on Duvernay’s shoulders.

Washington, a former undrafted safety out of TCU, spent most of his first two years in the NFL as a special teamer and practice squad defender. The team was expecting a big 2023 season out of Washington after he opened the year as the Ravens’ starting nickel cornerback, but a chest injury landed him on IR after only Week 2, and he’s been out ever since. With star cornerback Marlon Humphrey out for tomorrow’s game with a calf injury, the depth Washington adds at cornerback will be welcome.

Additionally, running back Melvin Gordon, one of the players removed from the 53-man roster in order to make room for Duvernay, Washington, and Dalvin Cook, will remain in Baltimore under a new practice squad deal. The veteran rusher played a prominent role in the team’s Week 18 game as the Ravens attempted to rest Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, but a lost fumble early in the game forced the team not to take any chances. They’ve now subbed Cook in for Gordon on the active roster, but Gordon will now be available in case of emergency off of the practice squad after clearing waivers.

Lastly, the Ravens announced their standard gameday practice squad elevations for tomorrow’s game. Wide receiver Dan Chisena and linebacker Josh Ross will suit up with the active roster against the Texans. Houston, on the other hand, made the decision not to elevate any practice squad players for the second week in a row.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/28/23

October 28th, 2023 at 7:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

Here are the gameday elevations and other minor moves made around the league in advance of Week 8:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New York Giants

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Wilkinson’s loss will be notable for the Cardinals, given his status as an entrenched starter at the left guard spot. The 28-year-old joined Arizona on a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum in free agency after stints in Denver, Chicago and Atlanta. Trystan Colon replaced him in the starting lineup in Week 7, and that will likely continue for the time being. Wilkinson will be out for at least four weeks as a result of the IR move.

Ridgeway has been out since Week 1, his Texans debut. The former 49er joined the Texans in a move which allowed him to continue working under head coach DeMeco Ryans. Ridgeway ended last season on IR, so he will be looking for an extended run of availability in his new home. A veteran of 78 games (and 19 starts), he will aim to carve out a rotational role up front.

Peters was brought in by the Seahawks while they were dealing with injury problems at both tackle spots. Blindside blocker Charles Cross has since returned, so Peters’ most familiar spot will not be available if he is to make his Seattle debut on Sunday. The fact the latter is healthy and in game shape does mean, however, that he will be eligible to play in a 19th NFL season.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/25/23

October 25th, 2023 at 7:33pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are Wednesday’s minor moves from around the league:

Baltimore Ravens

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Seattle Seahawks

  • Designated to return from IR: RB Kenny McIntosh
  • Designated to return from PUP: NT Austin Faoliu

Tennessee Titans

After being waived yesterday by the team who submitted a waiver claim for him at the start of the season, Wallace finds himself on the third NFL team of his career. While the trade that sent star Titans’ defender Kevin Byard to Philadelphia returned another safety in Terrell Edmunds, Wallace will come in and attempt to compete for some key playing time with Edmunds and Amani Hooker.

Humphrey has been promoted as a standard gameday elevation three times already, the limit for a practice squad contract, so in order to see any further game action, he needed to be on the active roster. If he is released and re-signs to the team’s practice squad, he’ll be able to be elevated three more times under a new practice squad deal.

Ravens Re-Sign QB Josh Johnson, Place WR Tylan Wallace On IR

September 25th, 2023 at 3:10pm CST by Adam La Rose

SEPTEMBER 25: To little surprise, the Ravens have brought back Johnson by re-signing him to the active roster, head coach John Harbaugh announced on Monday. Releasing the veteran was simply a case of roster gymnastics and a move which allowed a healthy option at another position to dress on Sunday.

The spot allowing Johnson to return to Baltimore was opened by wideout Tylan Wallace being placed on IR, per a team announcement. The latter has appeared in 29 games across three seasons with the Ravens, playing primarily on special teams. A hamstring injury will shut down the 24-year-old for at least the next four weeks, though, while the team looks to rebound from yesterday’s overtime loss.

SEPTEMBER 23: The Ravens’ backup quarterback situation has become clearer for the time being. Josh Johnson was released on Saturday, per a team announcement.

As a result of the move, only Tyler Huntley remains on the active roster to serve as QB2 behind Lamar Jackson. Johnson’s time in the organization may not be over, however. The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reports Baltimore’s preference would be to retain the latter via the practice squad. In any event, this marks the latest chapter in Johnson’s journeyman tour around pro football.

The 37-year-old signed with the Ravens this offseason, beginning his third stint with the franchise. Baltimore had attempted to add him last December, while Jackson was dealing with what turned out to be a season-ending knee injury. His latest pact brought Johnson – a veteran of the NFL, UFL, AAF and XFL – back to the Ravens and gave him a chance to win the backup job in the preseason.

Huntley had been dealing with a hamstring injury to start the year, so Johnson dressed as the backup for Weeks 1 and 2. Moving on from Johnson (at least temporarily) is a sign that Huntley, the Ravens’ starter for most of the end of 2022 in Jackson’s absence, including the team’s wild-card loss, is now fully healthy. The former UDFA will resume QB2 duties beginning tomorrow.

The Ravens released Anthony Brown (who made one start for them last season) earlier this month, leaving the team without a developmental passer on the taxi squad. That adds further to the likelihood Johnson will be brought back in the near future, though as a vested veteran he is not subject to waivers. Johnson is free to sign with any interested party, and 2022 saw the latest example of him leaving one team’s practice squad (Denver) to join another’s active roster with a greater chance of playing time (San Francisco). A repeat of that move could now take place in 2023, as the Ravens move forward with the familiar Jackson-Huntley pairing under center.

Ravens Rumors: Left Guard, Wallace, Washington, Clowney

August 23rd, 2023 at 10:01pm CST by Ely Allen

The competition for a starting job that began with five or six candidates has seemingly been whittled down to two. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, it seems that veteran John Simpson and rookie Malaesala Aumavae-Laula are the final two players fighting for the starting left guard job in 2023.

Simpson appears to be the frontrunner. He has received a good amount of snaps with the first-team offensive line in camp and hasn’t looked out of place. Aumavae-Laula is viewed to have a higher ceiling than Simpson, and while the sixth-round pick out of Oregon has shown less consistency, the staff seems to be open to “letting him learn on the job.” With Simpson receiving the most first-team reps leading up to the regular season, it appears to be his job to lose, but it may be difficult to hold off Aumavae-Laula for long.

On the flipside, it’s a disappointing outcome for former third-round pick Ben Cleveland. After losing the starting battle to Ben Powers last year, the 6-foot-6, 357-pound lineman seems to be on the losing end of the competition for the second straight year. If he can’t show something soon, Cleveland may find himself fighting for a roster spot next summer.

Here are a few more rumors coming out of Baltimore:

  • Weeks ago, wide receiver Tylan Wallace was considered a likely candidate to be cut before the start of the regular season. After Wallace only amassed 56 receiving yards over his first two seasons, the additions of Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor, and Zay Flowers made Wallace’s future cut seem like a foregone conclusion. With Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay, among others, set to return, the battle for the WR6 position became a must-win. According to Zrebiec, Wallace responded to the adversity by hiring a new trainer and showing out in the preseason. Wallace has given strong performances in the last two weeks while other fringe receivers like James Proche have seen some rough stretches. There’s no guarantee that Baltimore holds on to six wide receivers, but if they do, Wallace is making a strong case for the job.
  • Formerly an undrafted free agent, Ar’Darius Washington has kept at least a spot on the practice squad with the Ravens over his first two NFL seasons as a promising reserve safety and special teamer. According to Zrebiec, though, he has inflated his stock this preseason by shining as a nickel cornerback. His smaller 5-foot-8, 177-pound frame makes some matchups an issue, but Washington has been one of the Ravens’ top performers in the past two weeks and should make a strong case for a roster spot and a true role on the defense.
  • Finally, while second-year pass rusher David Ojabo hasn’t stood out much in the team’s preseason games, the Ravens staff is still excited about his development after barely playing coming off an injury as a rookie. According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN, head coach John Harbaugh made a point to say that the addition of veteran edge Jadeveon Clowney would not impact the playing time of Ojabo. “You want to have enough guys,” Harbaugh said. “There’s a lot of snaps…about 1,200 snaps in the season. You need all those guys.”
  • Hensley’s colleague at ESPN, Field Yates, also provided us with some details on Clowney’s contract with the Ravens. Along with Clowney’s base contract value of $2.5MM, consisting of a $1.17MM base salary and a $1.34MM signing bonus, Clowney can receive up to $3.5MM of incentives. Specifically, he will earn $500K for five sacks, $1MM for seven sacks, or $1.75MM for nine sacks. The same respective amounts would be paid out if Clowney plays over 50 percent, 60 percent, or 65 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. If he hits full incentives, it would push the total value of his contract up to $6MM. Finally, he will earn a per game active roster bonus of $20K for a potential season total of $340K.

Ravens Rumors: WRs, Nickelback, Ricard

July 7th, 2023 at 8:42pm CST by Ely Allen

The Ravens did a lot in their attempts to improve the wide receiving corps this offseason. What that usually means is that some receivers from last year’s roster will be fighting to remain on the team this summer. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, one of James Proche or Tylan Wallace may find themselves on the outside looking in come September.

Proche and Wallace were drafted in back-to-back years following quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s 2019 MVP season. Both players were taken as flyers following more valuable attempts to add to the room as the Ravens tried to bolster Jackson’s weapons cache. In 2020, Proche joined Devin Duvernay as rookies out of the state of Texas. Duvernay, a third-round pick out of Texas, was expected to be a contributor who could add to the room very soon, while Proche, a sixth-round pick out of SMU, had a similar playing style and added an ability as a return man.

Wallace had a stronger chance to contribute as a fourth-rounder out of Oklahoma State the following year, but he was still not the team’s headliner rookie receiver that year. Wallace was picked three rounds after first-round pick Rashod Bateman, the clear choice of rookies expected to contribute right away.

The source of disappointment in Wallace is fairly apparent. Through two years in the NFL, Wallace has only six catches for 56 yards. He contributes on special teams, but that doesn’t help a ton when he misses eight games, as he did last season. Proche showed signs of life in a sophomore season with 16 catches for 202 yards, but he took a step back in 2022 with only eight catches for 62 yards. His return ability was rendered moot, as well, as Duvernay earned first-team All-Pro honors as a return man.

The offseason has seen the departures of pass catchers Demarcus Robinson, DeSean Jackson, and Sammy Watkins, all of whom outperformed Proche and Wallace last year, but the additions of Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor, and first-round pick Zay Flowers vastly outweigh what was lost in the room. With a top-five of Bateman, Beckham, Flowers, Duvernay, and Agholor, it’s hard to see where Proche and Wallace are both getting in the game. In a situation where the Ravens only hold on to six wide receivers, Proche and Wallace are likely going to be battling it out for that last roster spot in the preseason.

Here are a few more roster rumors coming out of Charm City:

  • Baltimore added to the cornerbacks room this offseason with the additions of free agent Rock Ya-Sin and fifth-round pick Kyu Blu Kelly. While those acquisitions address the loss of starting cornerback Marcus Peters, the team may need to also address the slot. With Kyle Hamilton, who covered a bit of time in the slot last season with Chuck Clark and Marcus Williams starting at safety, moving back to his more natural position, who do the Ravens play in the slot? According to Zrebiec, second-year cornerback Damarion Williams is the favorite for the job, but Williams is reportedly dealing with some health issues right now. If Williams can’t go, Brandon Stephens, who has shown versatility while playing both safety and cornerback in his first two years, could get a chance to demonstrate his abilities. Former undrafted safety Ar’Darius Washington also reportedly has some “fans in the building” and could get an opportunity. Zrebiec doesn’t want to rule out starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey, though. Some around the team believe that putting one of the team’s best defenders closer to the ball and line of scrimmage could allow him to demonstrate his physicality and game-changing ability on more of a regular basis.
  • With the addition of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, some fans were concerned about the safety of fullback Patrick Ricard‘s roster spot. Ricard was used heavily in former play-caller Greg Roman‘s system, but does Monken’s new system allow for Ricard to extend his streak of four straight Pro Bowl selections? According to Zrebiec, Monken may have little say in the matter. General manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh both value Ricard highly as a player. They’ve used him as a blocker out of the backfield, a receiver lining up at fullback and tight end, a contributor on special teams, and even as a defensive lineman in his early years. Regardless of how Monken has utilized fullbacks in the past, it’s hard to see a scenario where the Ravens can’t find a role for Ricard to fill.

Minor NFL Transactions: 1/14/23

January 14th, 2023 at 7:14pm CST by Adam La Rose

Today’s minor moves in advance of the second day of Super Wild-Card Weekend:

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Cincinnati Bengals

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New York Giants

Minor NFL Transactions: 1/7/23

January 7th, 2023 at 4:38pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s minor transactions heading into the final Sunday of the regular season:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

  • Promoted from practice squad: WR Josh Ali

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New York Giants

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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