Ravens Trade WR Mark Clayton To Rams

Just a few hours after they signed wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Ravens have traded WR Mark Clayton to the St. Louis Rams for late round considerations, reports ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

The deal gives rookie QB Sam Bradford a target in St. Louis after losing Donnie Avery for the season to a torn ACL.

Clayton was a first-round pick of the Ravens out of Oklahoma in 2005, but has never lived up to those expectations -- his reception total has gone down the past three seasons, and 2009 saw his lowest career total yet, with just 24 catches.

But, as Jamison Hensley at the Baltimore Sun points out, his 2010 camp had been his best yet.

He outplayed Donte' Stallworth and worked as the No. 3 wide receiver in the preseason.

Clayton's best season came in 2006 with quarterback Steve McNair. He led the team with 939 receiving yards.

In 2008, Clayton ranked second in receptions (41) but led the Ravens with a 17.1-yard per catch average.

For more on this trade, visit our team blogs, Turf Show Times and Baltimore Beatdown.