The Baltimore Ravens running back depth chart has been one of the most chaotic units in the league over the past few seasons. On paper, the duo of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards should be one of the more solid groupings in the league, but injuries to both players have left Baltimore’s backfield in shambles. While the Ravens have continued to run the ball well regardless of who the actual back is, recent reports indicate that Baltimore is looking for more security at the position.
Right now, both Dobbins and Edwards are set to hit free agency, and there’s a good chance both players leave. Dobbins tore his Achilles in Week 1, and historically speaking, that injury is a kiss of death for running backs. Edwards, meanwhile, saw his efficiency drop as Baltimore’s de facto starter. If the Ravens bring back the running back, it will probably only be as a backup.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there is a belief around the league that the Ravens are going to “target a running back with pedigree” when free agency officially kicks off. While Fowler doesn’t give any specific names, there are a few players who fit that description.
Ravens Planning On Signing A Star Running Back In Free Agency (Report)
It’s easy to see why the Ravens want another running back. While Edwards did a fine job with Dobbins sidelined, he’s not the most explosive player in the game. Additionally, what little explosion he does have will probably go away soon, as the former undrafted free agent is entering his age-29 season. Meanwhile, Dobbins faces an uphill battle to ever be a productive NFL running back again. Achilles injuries are notorious for stealing an athlete’s burst and acceleration, and you need those traits to be a running back in the NFL.
The Ravens have a lot of impending free agents, so it would be surprising if they prioritized the running back position over players like Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, or even Odell Beckham. However, running back salaries are trending down, so perhaps the team could afford one of the top market backs.
Possible Free Agents, Ranked
1. Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry is entering his age-30 season, and normally you don’t want to invest too heavily in older players with over 2,000 career touches. However, Henry has continuously proven that he is the exception to the rule. The four-time Pro Bowler has shown no signs of slowing down, so the Ravens should be interested in signing the running back to a short-term deal. Henry’s downhill running style is a perfect complement to Lamar Jackson’s elusive play, and Baltimore doesn’t throw the ball to running backs too often, so Henry’s relative lack of pass-catching upside isn’t a big deal.
2. Saquon Barkley
The New York Giants are going to let the market dictate Saquon Barkley’s price. Perhaps Baltimore makes an offer that New York matches, but the all-in Ravens probably have a higher valuation on the running back position than the rebuilding Giants. Barkley is a phenomenal dual-threat running back who should be considerably more efficient running behind a legitimate offensive line. The biggest concern here is Barkley’s injury history. The running back has not been the picture of health since entering the league, so the Ravens might prefer someone with a safer track record.
3. Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs had a rough year in 2023, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry while missing four games to injury. However, he was a First-Team All-Pro a year before that, and it’s highly unlikely he simply forgot how to play football. Now entering his age-26 season, Jacobs should have plenty of fuel left in his tank. Chances are, a change of scenery will bring out the best in him, and the Ravens could certainly use him as their next running back.
4. Tony Pollard
When he was sharing a backfield with Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard looked like one of the most explosive backs in the league. The Dallas Cowboys believed he could maintain this efficiency with a larger workload, so they decided to part ways with Elliott and give Pollard unquestioned control of the backfield. The running back wasn’t quite up for the challenge, but he still put together a decent season. If the Ravens want the longtime Cowboy to be their next starting running back, they should probably also bring back Edwards so Pollard doesn’t wear down as the season progresses.
Main Photo: Denny Simmons – USA Today Sports
