Ravens take a chance on Stallworth

February 17, 2010 12:12 PM by Dan Kolko View Comments

Recently, I asked you guys if you would be interested in having embattled wide receiver Donte' Stallworth join the Ravens.

Now, the decision has been made for you.

The Ravens have announced that they have signed the 29-year-old Stallworth to what is being reported by multiple outlets as a one-year, $900,000 deal. Stallworth will reportedly also have the opportunity to earn $300,000 more in incentives.

Formerly a first-round pick of the Saints back in 2002, Stallworth comes to Baltimore with some baggage. He was suspended for the entire 2009 season and spent 24 days in jail for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk on March 14 of last year.

Stallworth was reinstated by commissioner Roger Goodell early last week, and when the Browns released him a day later, the Ravens made a move to help bolster a wide receiving corps that is in flux.

None of Baltimore's top-four receivers from last season are under contract for 2010, as Derrick Mason and Kelley Washington are both unrestricted free agents, while Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams are restricted free agents.

Adding Stallworth gives the Ravens one receiver they know will be in camp come summer.

A star during his college days at Tennessee, Stallworth posted his best NFL season in 2005, when he made 70 catches for 945 yards and seven touchdowns. His numbers have declined since then, and in his most recent season, he had just 17 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown in an injury-plagued campaign with the Browns.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and GM Ozzie Newsome talked about wanting to add more weapons for Joe Flacco to work with in the passing game, and they talked about being willing to give players second chances.

They did both today.