Ravens Add Running Back Depth By Signing AJ Dillon?
The Baltimore Ravens' run game was prepared for anything this season.
Seemingly doomed after JK Dobbins endured yet another early season-ending injury, Charm City got by with a mix of familiar depth stars (Gus Edwards, Justice Hill), a rookie blessing (Keaton Mitchell), and a vet keeping his career alive (Melvin Gordon). Combined with quarterback Lamar Jackson's dual-threat abilities, the Ravens led the league in yardage on the ground this season.
Mitch Stringer, USA TODAY SPORTS
But with Dobbins and Edwards due for free agency this spring, the Ravens could probably stand to shop for a new top carrier to lineup behind Jackson. That's what Cody Benjamin had in mind when compiling a list of top free agents from the 14 recent playoff teams and their potential destinations. Benjamin proposes that the Ravens go after Green Bay Packers rusher AJ Dillon, who could look for extended opportunities away from the relative handicap of backing up Aaron Jones.
"The supersized vet could have an increased role in Green Bay depending on Aaron Jones' future, but the latter has proven much more valuable," Benjamin writes. "How about a return to his hometown Baltimore as a short-yardage option?"
To that point, the 30-year-old Jones is signed for the 2024 season, which could lead to the fifth-year man seeking a locale where he's an undisputed top choice for handoffs. Born in Baltimore, the 247-lb. Dillon has amassed 2,428 yards over four seasons in Green Bay.
The Ravens were 11th in third down conversion rate this season but were 3-of-11 in Sunday's AFC title game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. At worst, Dillon could improve the Ravens' short-yardage game while his ceiling could allow him to take over the top rushing duties entirely, especially considering his gameday reliability (missing just two games in the past three years).
Elsewhere on Benjamin's list, current Ravens Justin Madubuike and Kevin Zeitler are projected to stay in Baltimore while linebacker Patrick Queen is said to be destined for Washington.
