Should Ravens Spend Top Dollar On Free Agent Running Backs?
The devaluation of the running back position has been a highly debated subject over the last few years.
Once a position group filled with some of the league's most sought-after athletes, the runners have struggled to get any sense of stability in their contracts following their rookie deals.
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It will all come ahead this offseason when, after countless meetings amongst each other, players like Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, Josh Jacobs, and D'Andre Swift will all hit the open market. Will they get the kind of long-term extensions they are pushing for? The answer to that question might come from some of the better running teams in football.
Over the years, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens have been able to have success despite not paying top dollar at the position. Baltimore is coming off a season in which they ranked the top rushing attack last season and three times in the last five seasons.
Of course, it helps when two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson had led the league in rushing for the franchise in each of the last five seasons.
Should that mindset change, though, for the Flock going into the 2024 offseason and having a major need at running back?
To have a $260 million quarterback be the team's leading rusher for five straight years isn't exactly what the franchise should want. Bringing in a competent every-down back would not only help keep Jackson upright, but it could give the Ravens a needed boost to their overall offense.
The issue, as every team is facing, is the cost.
The Ravens aren't going to be looking to spend over $10 million for some of these top available players. Other guys like Tony Pollard, Swift, and others have injury concerns. While the class is talented, almost every single free-agent running back has health or contract concerns.
It also doesn't help Baltimore that they'll have other needs at receiver, offensive line, and pass rusher over the next few months.
Should the Ravens bring in a free-agent running back? Of course. Will they do what's necessary to bring one of the top guys to the team? That remains to be seen.
