The Las Vegas Raiders cut wide receiver Jalen Guyton on Monday, putting an end to an unremarkable tenure for the former undrafted free agent. Originally entering the league with the Dallas Cowboys, the North Texas product landed with the Los Angeles Chargers after failing to make the 53-man roster for America’s Team. Spending five years with the club, Guyton established himself as a decent vertical threat in the 2020 and 2021 seasons before following General Manager Tom Telesco to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Guyton couldn’t do anything in Vegas, spending the season on the practice squad and never making it into a game. The organization decided that enough was enough and cut Jalen Guyton ahead of Week 12’s action. This could be the end of the road for the veteran, but he could get another chance with the Los Angeles Chargers. A reunion could be in order unless a team like the Baltimore Ravens gives him a larger opportunity.
Ravens Could Prevent Chargers From Signing Jalen Guyton After Unceremonious Cut
If Jalen Guyton ever re-establishes himself as an NFL player, it will probably be with old friend Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers. After hardly seeing the field in 2019, the undrafted free agent made a name for himself during the early stages of Herbert’s career. In 2020, the North Texas product finished the season with 28 receptions for 511 yards and three touchdowns on 55 targets, good for an impressive 17.0 yards per touch. He followed this up with a similar campaign in 2021, hauling in 31 receptions for 448 yards and three touchdowns on 48 targets.
Unfortunately, the wide receiver couldn’t build on the promising start. Battling through injuries, Guyton recorded just 12 receptions in 11 games over the next two seasons. Perhaps injuries took away the deep speed that made him a dangerous downfield threat, but it can’t hurt to kick the tires and see what’s left in his tank. Even with second-round rookie Ladd McConkey and 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston impressing, the Chargers still have one of the weakest wide receiver rooms in football.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win games by running the ball, and Justin Herbert is playing his best football under the first-year head coach. However, the lack of depth on offense is concerning. DJ Chark was supposed to be the one-dimension deep threat in this offense, but the free agent signee was a healthy scratch in Week 11’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Signing Jalen Guyton to the practice squad makes all the sense in the world, as the two can compete for the same job and the Chargers can cut whoever loses the battle.
Ravens Receiver Woes
The Baltimore Ravens knew they needed more help at wide receiver when they traded for Diontae Johnson. However, through two games, the wide receiver has yet to provide any value for this offense. Since arriving in Baltimore, the former Steeler has recorded just one reception for six yards. Perhaps he can improve as the season progresses, but the Ravens must find a Plan B in case Johnson continues to disappoint.
Jalen Guyton might not be the most exciting player in the world, but the recently cut wideout could be a good fit in this offense. 2023 first-round pick Zay Flowers is a solid chain-mover, but this team lacks a deep threat. Nelson Agholor is slowing down and fourth-round pick DeVontez Walker can’t get on the field, so Guyton might be the best option available. At the very least, the wide receiver could earn the opportunity to prove himself on the practice squad.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
