OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens set up a visit with wide receiver Michael Crabtree on the same day that Ryan Grant failed his physical.
But those moves had no correlation, according to the Ravens. General manager Ozzie Newsome said Baltimore would've pursued Crabtree even if Grant passed his physical and signed with the team.
"We were going to change the faces in our wide receiver room," Newsome said.
Crabtree and Grant are considered to be similar possession receivers. Both have good hands, run great routes and average under 12 yards per catch.
Crabtree visited the Ravens on Friday, meeting with Newsome and other team officials. Greg Roman, the Ravens' assistant head coach, was the offensive coordinator during Crabtree's final four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (2011-14).
In playing Baltimore in each of the past two seasons, Crabtree has totaled 13 catches for 170 yards and four touchdowns.
"We've played against him the last two years, all of you and our fans in Baltimore have seen what he's been able to do against some pretty good corners that we have," Newsome said. "That would probably let you know why we would have a certain level of interest."
Newsome also indicated that the team hasn't closed the door on bringing backs free-agent wide receivers Mike Wallace and Michael Campanaro. The Ravens have had multiple conversations with Wallace and have been in contact with Campanaro.
Last season, Wallace led the Ravens with 748 yards receiving and Campanaro ranked fourth in the NFL in punt returns with a 10.8-yard average.
"This time of the year, as we're looking, they are looking," Newsome said. "They have to the best situation for themselves. We have to find the best situation for us."
