Michael Crabtree’s tenure with the Baltimore Ravens only lasted one season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday reported the 10-year veteran has been informed of his impending release.
Crabtree caught 54 passes for 607 yards and three touchdowns in an offense that wasn’t exactly receiver-friendly. He posted two catches for 38 yards and two touchdowns in the Ravens’ playoff loss to the Chargers.
The Texas Tech product spent his first six NFL seasons with the 49ers after being selected No. 10 overall in the 2009 NFL draft. After struggling through his first two seasons, Crabtree hit his stride in 2011 when he hauled in 72 balls for 874 yards and four touchdowns. He followed that up with his best season as a pro, posting 85 catches for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. He was also an integral part of the 49ers’ playoff run in the 2012 season with 20 catches for 285 yards and three touchdowns in three games.
A torn Achilles prior to the 2013 season limited him to only five games. He never found his footing again in San Francisco, but did put together a few very good seasons for the Raiders before signing with the Ravens.
While the 49ers need help in their receiving corps, a reunion with the 31-year-old Crabtree isn’t likely in the cards. It would be interesting to see prime Crabtree in Shanahan’s system though. His strong route running allowed him to get separation without ever possessing elite speed. That ability to get open and pluck throws out of the air would’ve made him a perfect fit in this iteration of the 49ers’ offense. Unfortunately he’s no longer that player, and San Francisco is in the process of unloading aging veterans with declining production, not acquiring them.
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