Baltimore Ravens sign veteran wide receiver who was once recruited by Tom Brady

The Baltimore Ravens made a surprise move on Tuesday, signing veteran wide receiver Russell Gage.

The 28-year-old Gage has played five seasons in the NFL, racking up 244 catches, 2,491 yards, and 14 touchdowns as a member of the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers .

Gage did not play the 2023 season because of a ruptured patellar tendon.

Gage has been productive when healthy. When Tom Brady was on the Buccaneers, he famously recruited Gage to join the team , catching Gage by surprise.

Gage's 426 receiving yards in just 13 games in 2022 would have ranked fourth on the Ravens last season, behind Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr., and Mark Andrews. Gage effectively replaces Beckham, who left in free agency.

Gage should help bolster a receiving unit that looked thin , with only three veteran receivers in Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor. The Ravens also drafted wide receiver Devontez Walker in the fourth round.

According to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec , Gage is already practicing with the team on Tuesday.