Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco suggested that Crabtree has stood out most among the team's new wide receivers during OTAs, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports. "[Crabtree's] the guy," said Flacco. "Because he's got a little different way that he runs the routes. He's really crafty with it, and he knows when to break away from guys and how to get open"

Analysis: Baltimore swapped out Mike Wallace, Jeremy Maclin and Michael Campanaro for Crabtree, John Brown and Willie Snead -- with Crabtree's three-year, $21 million contract easily ranking first among the bunch. While a clear favorite to lead his new team in targets and red-zone opportunities, the 30-year-old wideout may struggle for efficiency in an offense that produced a league-worst 5.7 yards per pass attempt last season. However, he at least seems to be earning Flacco's trust rather quickly, after…read more

Headed to Baltimore

Crabtree has signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Ravens, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: After voiding the deal they had with fellow receiver Ryan Grant, the Ravens moved quickly to scoop up Crabtree, who the Raiders cut to make way for Jordy Nelson. Crabtree isn't particularly fast by NFL standards, but he did manage to log 25 TDs during his three-year stint with the Raiders. Though his reception total dipped to 58 in 14 contests in 2017, the 30-year-old -- who combined for 174 catches in 2015 and 2016 -- should benefit from the fact that he now profiles as QB Joe Flacco's top…read more

Visiting Baltimore

Crabtree is visiting the Ravens on Friday, ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley reports.

Analysis: Crabtree would replace Ryan Grant, whose four-year, $29 million contract was nullified after he failed a physical with the Ravens. The team is badly in need of a wide receiver, as injury-prone John Brown is the only player signed thus far to replace Mike Wallace and Jeremy Maclin. The 30-year-old Crabtree caught 58 of 101 targets for only 618 yards last season, but he nonetheless managed to hit paydirt eight times in 14 games, bringing his three-year total in Oakland to 25 touchdowns in 46…read more

Release paves the way for Nelson signing

The Raiders will release Crabtree, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: With Crabtree on the way out, the Raiders will parlay the resulting cap savings into a deal that will bring former Packers wideout Jordy Nelson to Oakland. While not a burner, Crabtree was productive enough during his three-year stint with the Raiders, logging 25 TDs in that span. His catch total dipped to 58 in 14 games this past season, but in the right situation in terms of volume, Crabtree -- who combined for 174 catches in 2015 and 2016 -- could re-emerge as a PPR factor in 2018.

Crabtree's future with the Raiders is uncertain, even after general manager Reggie McKenzie suggested that the wideout is part of the team's plans, Michael Gehlken of The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Analysis: Oakland may want to retain the 30-year-old wideout, but that doesn't necessarily mean the team is willing to keep him around at his 2018 salary of $7 million. Coming off a season in which he managed just 6.1 yards per target, Crabtree may be asked to accept a pay cut, or at least some form of restructure.

The Raiders plan to retain Crabtree for the 2018 season, league sources informed Vic Tafur of The Athletic Bay Area.

Analysis: Following a disappointing finish to the 2017 season, Crabtree was viewed as a potential trade candidate or salary-cap casualty this offseason with his $7.5 million salary and roster bonus not guaranteed for the 2018 campaign. It's conceivable that the Raiders could ask the veteran wideout to restructure the four-year, $34 million contract extension he inked in December 2015, but after productive meetings with new head coach Jon Gruden over the past month, the 30-year-old looks like he'll remain…read more

Crabtree caught two passes on as many targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 30-10 loss to the Chargers. He finishes his 2017 campaign with 58 receptions (on 101 targets) for 618 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games.

Analysis: Crabtree logged just 17 snaps in the Raiders' gloomy season finale, resulting in a spell of frustration from the starting receiver as he totaled two catches on five targets throughout the last two games combined. Despite such a disappointing conclusion for the 30-year-old, Crabtree's eight touchdowns and 58 receptions led the team in 2017. Although his contract includes two more years with the Raiders, Crabtree's future may not be concrete as the team elected to fire head coach Jack Del Rio…read more

Not on injury report

Crabtree (hamstring) isn't listed on Wednesday's injury report for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Analysis: Crabtree was bothered by his hamstring during Monday's 19-10 loss to the Eagles, failing to haul in any of his three targets while logging an unusually low 45-percent snap share. His quick recovery is good news for the Oakland offense heading into a tough Week 17 matchup against a hot Chargers defense that still has everything to play for. The Chargers put top cornerback Casey Hayward on Amari Cooper (ankle) in the first meeting between these teams, limiting the third-year wideout to five…read more

Dealing with hamstring issue

Crabtree was bothered by his hamstring during Monday's 19-10 loss to the Eagles, Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Analysis: This helps to explain why Crabtree was held without a catch on three targets and saw limited playing time in the second half. Another update should be available Wednesday afternoon when the Raiders release their initial injury report for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Crabtree was targeted three times and didn't catch any passes in Monday's 19-10 loss to the Eagles.

Analysis: The zero-catch day marked Crabtree's worst performance of the season, not counting the Nov. 26 game against the Broncos when he was ejected after five plays for unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness. The invisible showing was especially surprising given that Crabtree had been targeted a combined 30 times over the previous two weeks. Crabtree probably won't get shut out again in Week 17, but a matchup against a tough Chargers secondary doesn't set the veteran up well to deliver a…read more

Crabtree caught seven of 17 targets for 39 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Cowboys.

Analysis: Crabtree again saw a massive workload with Amari Cooper (ankle) out of the lineup, seeing most of his action in the short-to-intermediate area of the field. Both of his scores came from within yards of the goal line, and he's now up to eight touchdowns on the year, one short of his career high. If Cooper is again forced to sit in Week 16, Crabtree should again be a target magnet while operating as quarterback Derek Carr's clear-cut No. 1 option. However, he'll be up against the Eagles'…read more

Crabtree caught seven passes on 13 targets for 60 yards in Sunday's 26-15 loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: Crabtree's target total marked a season best in his return from a one-game suspension, while fellow starting wide receiver Amari Cooper missed a majority of the contest due to an aggravated left ankle injury. Crabtree's increased involvement didn't translate to fantasy prosperity, however, as he averaged just 4.6 yards per target and etched a long reception of 13 yards. If Cooper is forced to miss additional time, Crabtree could be in line for a similar level of volume in Week 15 against the…read more

Reinstated from suspension

Crabtree (suspension) was reinstated to the active roster Monday.

Analysis: The Raiders made do without Crabtree and Amari Cooper (ankle, concussion) in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Giants, getting big games from Marshawn Lynch and Cordarrelle Patterson, with Clive Walford, Seth Roberts and Johnny Holton also chipping in. Crabtree may find himself ideally positioned in Week 14 against the Chiefs, potentially facing one of the worst pass defenses in the league without Cooper around to compete for targets. Even if Cooper does make it back, both wideouts would be in a good…read more

Ban cut in half

The NFL reduced Crabtree's suspension from two games to one Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Crabtree was punished after a scuffle broke out with Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib on Sunday in which both players threw punches during multiple encounters. With his initial ban cut in half, Crabtree will sit out Sunday against the Giants before preparing for a Week 14 matchup at Kansas City. With Amari Cooper (concussion/ankle) ailing at the moment, the Raiders promoted wide receiver Isaac Whitney from the practice squad to bolster depth behind Seth Roberts, Cordarrelle Patterson and Johnny…read more

Suspended two games

Crabtree was suspended Monday two games without pay for violating the league's unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness rules, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Crabtree got into an altercation with Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib on Sunday that resulted in punches thrown by both players. Talib was also suspended two games, though it's likely both will appeal. If the suspension stands, Crabtree will miss Week 13 and Week 14 -- the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most formats. Seth Roberts figures to step into the starting lineup in Crabtree's absence.

Booted from game Sunday

Crabtree was ejected from Sunday's game against the Broncos, Vic Tafur of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

Analysis: On the second play of the Raiders' second possession, Crabtree and Aqib Talib became embroiled in a shoving match down the left sideline that resulted in both throwing punches. Because the fight induced three ejections -- also, Talib and Raiders guard Gabe Jackson, who shoved an official -- Crabtree will likely be facing some sort of punishment this week. With Crabtree gone, the offense will turn to Seth Roberts, Cordarrelle Patterson and Johnny Holton to complement Crabtree's fellow starting…read more