With T.J. Houshmandzadeh jumping aboard the Ravens ship, someone had to get thrown overboard. Mark Clayton will be that someone.
As first indicated by Ross Tucker of SIRIUS and confirmed by Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times, Clayton has been made available for a trade. Wilson writes that the team informed Clayton of their plans for him. If they can’t deal him, Clayton is expected to be released.
A first-round pick in 2005, Clayton enjoyed a strong start to his career. He racked up 939 yards and five touchdowns in his second year, but injuries and inconsistency reversed his progress over the last three seasons.
Still, he was the closest thing to a reliable vertical threat that the Ravens had with Donte’ Stallworth out until midseason. Clayton averaged over 15 yards-per-catch the last year years.
We’re not sure who is going to run the deep routes now in Baltimore. It sounds strange, but 36-year-old Derrick Mason may make the most sense.