Could Ravens Go 'Big Game Fishing' in RB Free Agency?
The Baltimore Ravens were the best rushing team in the NFL last season as they had several weapons, including Lamar Jackson that could gash defenses on the ground.
But as we enter the offseason, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are free agents, and with the franchise having over 20 others to deal with, not all can come back.
With so many unknowns about the state of Baltimore's running back room, NFL.com's Kevin Patra looks at the current situation Todd Monken has in front of him.
“The Ravens are a club that could go big-name fishing in the RB free-agent pool,” Patra writes. “Mitchell was a fun player, but his gruesome season-ending injury puts Baltimore in a tenuous situation at running back. Dobbins' injury history likely ends his run. Edwards could be brought back cheaply. While they have a ton of their own free agents to retain, I expect Ravens brass to try to pluck one of the free agents, depending on the asking price."
So if the Ravens chose not to bring back either Edwards or Dobbins, then that leaves the room seriously thin. But luckily, this year's free agency talent pool has some stars in it, most notably Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley.
Jerome Miron, Christopher Hanewinckel, Gary A. Vasquez -USA Today
With Baltimore's salary cap issues and the fact that they have big free agents in Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen wanting top-of-the-market money, could the Ravens go after a big name?
"Derrick Henry is the biggest name connected to Baltimore, but that addition would depend on how Todd Monken sees him fitting into the offense," Patra continued. "Josh Jacobs would look lovely in that backfield alongside Lamar Jackson. D'Andre Swift might provide the ideal combo of production and affordability if the Eagles let him out of the building. Regardless of which player, the Ravens need someone to take some of the load off Jackson.”
Edwards was the team's second leading rusher last season (810 yards) with Lamar leading with 821. Having their franchise quarterback run less would be ideal to keep him out of harm's way.
After Edwards, the next best was Justice Hill (387 yards), so potentially grabbing another star like Henry, albeit on a cheap deal feels like a logical move.
But with so many moving pieces right now, the Ravens have a lot to think about. With so many star running backs available for the right price, could Baltimore go "all in" in an attempt to take advantage of their current roster and win a Super Bowl?
There's no time like the present.
