The Baltimore Ravens or Los Angeles Chargers may sign All-Pro potential cut candidate running back, Tarik Cohen before this season. According to a report, Rich Cimini of ESPN expects the Jets to move on from the veteran despite signing him this offseason. Cohen is on a one-year deal with the team but the looks of it is that it’s going to be difficult to crack the 53-man roster. He’s been fighting to make it back in the league but he may be on the outside again looking for a new opportunity.
He’s already been missing two seasons in his career with a torn ACL and complications with it so it’s no surprise that teams are overlooking him. Cohen hasn’t been able to compete in the NFL since 2020 after suffering another brutal injury to later signing with the Carolina Panthers to the practice squad. However, he didn’t make it to the roster but this may be his last opportunity in his career. A source says that if he can find his glory days again when he was at his best then he has plenty of years ahead of him.
The important thing is that he stays healthy and can persuade teams to extend him longer beyond a one-year deal. However, it’s going to be difficult with the Jets since they may move forward with Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis and Breece Hall. The Ravens need some competition in their running back corps since Keaton Mitchell is on the PUP list. Baltimore is going to give more snaps to Derrick Henry but it’s logical to keep a rotational of two players.
The Chargers already have a strong running game with Joshua Kelley as the No. 3 back but there’s always room for competition in the backfield.
Ravens, Chargers May Sign All-Pro Potential Cut Candidate Tarik Cohen
Other Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The move would make too much sense since Cohen provides a low-risk, high-reward for any team that needs a rotational running back. Cohen might be the solution to their depth woes since he’ll likely take a cheap one-year deal if it means playing with America’s team and having one more shot in the NFL. Ezekiel Elliott is back in Dallas but he’s past his prime so no one should expect him to be the same player come week one. Deuce Vaughn is likely the punt returner alongside KaVontae Turpin so that means fewer snaps in the backfield.
This would mean Elliott, Royce Freeman and an unproven Rico Dowdle to try to keep this offense running. Cohen isn’t going to fix the Cowboys’ running game issues in one night but it gives the team another cost-effective option.
Kansas City Chiefs
If the veteran is thinking about heading to the Super Bowl champs to restore his career then this may be the perfect opportunity. Isiah Pacheco is not going anywhere as Patrick Mahomes’ No. 1 running back but there needs to reasonable competition for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Jerick McKinnon is surprisingly still available and he was a key factor for this team’s trickery plays and play-action passes. However, somehow they are moving forward with Edwards-Helaire.
He hasn’t been anything special to keep this offense moving like Pacheco has been to have. Cohen is not different but maybe an opportunity to play for the best could boost his production.
New Orleans Saints
The passing game for Derek Carr doesn’t look to be playoff worthy but they can increase their chances with a strong running game. Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams are two solid starters but they could be creative to bring in Cohen in the mix. Saints are in cap hell but Cohen is cheap to the point where he may accept any contract as long as he gets to play football again.
