I guess that whole Anquan Boldin trade didn't end Derrick Mason's days in Baltimore after all.
The Ravens announced Wednesday night that they had re-signed the 36-year-old wide receiver to a two-year deal. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but after the market dried up for Mason's services, it probably didn't cost the Ravens all that much.
Surprised? I am a little bit. Not on the Ravens end, but that Mason was willing to swallow his pride and re-sign with the team. That's not to say Mason has a big ego (he's actually one of my favorite players to interview because he's grounded and thoughtful). I just think it might have been hard for Mason to admit other teams didn't want him as much as he let on. Then again, Ray Lewis went through the same thing a year ago. If he can check his ego at the Castle's door, anyone can.
With the signing of Donte' Stallworth, the acquisition of Boldin and the retention of Mason, the Ravens' receiving corps has transformed from one of the league's worst to an area of strength. And that means the once offensively-challenged Ravens are close to becoming a very dangerous team on offense. They've already got one of the league's best running attacks and a talented, young offensive line. Now Joe Flacco has some toys to play with — and GM Ozzie Newsome might add one or two more by the end of April's NFL draft. If Flacco continues to develop as expected, watch out.
What does bringing back Mason mean in terms of Xs and Os? It seemed a lot of folks felt that Boldin and Mason couldn't co-exist because they're both possession receivers who like to work short and intermediate routes and the middle of the field. But I see no problem with playing them together in two-receiver sets. We know Boldin will do his thing. And though Mason has lost a step, he still runs crisp routes and should thrive now that he'll get 1-on-1 coverage. Mason can also be effective working out of the slot, so if the Ravens go three-wide with Boldin and Stallworth (or a speedy rookie wideout) split out wide, Mason will have opportunities underneath and over the middle. A team's third cornerback on Mason? Advantage: Ravens.
So don't sweat the lack of a proven burner to stretch the field and blow the top off of the opposing defense's coverage (if Stallworth returns to form after a year off, he brings that kind of speed to the table). With a good defense and the big-play ability of Ray Rice, the Ravens' don't have to hit home runs with the passing attack every time they're on the field. They just have to move the chains. Again. And again. And again.
And maybe the best part about Mason returning? Mark Clayton could end up being fourth on the Ravens' depth chart by the end of training camp. You may want to see him off the roster all together, but Clayton would make a mighty fine fourth receiver for the Ravens.