The Arizona Cardinals made a notable move on Tuesday with the decision to release wide receiver Andy Isabella.
We have signed OL Billy Price from the Raiders practice squad and have released WR Andy Isabella.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 4, 2022
Isabella, 25, was taken in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Cardinals out of the University of Massachusetts. He was selected at pick No. 62, right before two Pro Bowl wide receivers. DK Metcalf was selected at pick No. 64 by the Seattle Seahawks, and Diontae Johnson was selected at pick No. 66 by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Well, the Baltimore Ravens hope that Isabella can be anything like the player the Cardinals thought they were getting.
The Ravens signed Isabella to their practice squad on Wednesday, as first reported by Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.
Andy Isabella joining the Ravens, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 5, 2022
Former #Cardinals WR Andy Isabella is signing with the #Ravens practice squad, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 5, 2022
The 5’9″ wide receiver had two receptions (both first downs) for 21 yards this season with the Cardinals and was targeted five times by Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray.
Isabella’s most productive season came in 2020 when he had 21 receptions (targeted 35 times) for 224 yards, two touchdowns, and 10 first downs. He also offers special teams ability, including as a returner (he has nine career kick/punt returns).
The Ravens have had question marks at the wide receiver position, both in terms of production and health (Rashod Bateman is currently dealing with a foot injury, for example). So, it’s possible Isabella gets a look sooner than later, and perhaps he can turn into a new weapon for Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson. Either way, it’s a low-risk move for the Ravens.