The Baltimore Ravens or New Orleans Saints may pursue 2,600-yard free agent running back, Jerick McKinnon this upcoming regular season. Bleacher Report published an article stating every NFL Team’s needs and biggest weaknesses before week one. They say the Baltimore Ravens need some depth at the running back position despite signing Derrick Henry this past free agency. Keeping Henry healthy for the playoff stretch will become important if the Ravens want any chance at the Super Bowl, given that Keaton Mitchell is on the PUP list.
Owen Wright is on the reserve so they don’t have anyone behind Henry that will be ready to take on a huge load. The team is expecting Henry that he’ll be able to handle a heavy workload but that seems impossible since he has a history of injuries. Even though the running back free agents consist of older veterans, McKinnon is probably the best available. Someone like McKinnon can help the offense in the passing game where he can do both at his position.
It’s still surprising that he hasn’t signed with a team this offseason as the NFL Regular season is underway. The longtime veteran was able to put up 94 receptions for 811 yards and 14 touchdowns in his three seasons, winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs. He beat out Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the starting role initially three years ago so he still has a reliable set of hands to win contests against defenders. McKinnon would be a fine budget add, especially for the Saints who are already looking to move on from Kendre Miller.
There hasn’t been any coach in the NFL who has been more vocal about a player than Dennis Allen when discussing Miller. McKinnon won’t make a drastic change but is a temporary replacement at best.
Ravens, Saints May Pursue 2,600-Yard Free Agent Jerick McKinnon
Other Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are walking into this season with many questions in the backfield. They plan to start Rico Dowdle who doesn’t have any starting experience so it’s impossible that he’ll last in that new role. Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin are fine veterans that are well past their prime so adding a cheap extra playmaker wouldn’t hurt their chances. America’s team hasn’t done anything to replace Tony Pollard other than adding cheap veterans and relying on guys who haven’t lasted a full season.
McKinnon isn’t a great long-term option either but it gives the Cowboys another tool to play with. He should be able to carve out a role with Elliott, Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. It’s unclear what they’re going to do with Cook but the Cowboys could get wise and use him in the passing game to help the poor wideout depth.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have one of the most improved offenses this season and a strong one for quarterback Bryce Young. However, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks has a bright future but may need some time to recover from his ACL injury from his college days. The Miles Sanders days might be gone this upcoming year if he doesn’t improve after a disastrous debut campaign with Carolina’s losing season. Chuba Hubbard doesn’t look to be slowing down but adding McKinnon in the backfield should get them up to speed as a rotational piece.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh believes in a strong running game that would result in a successful offense for Justin Herbert. However, J.K Dobbins and Gus Edwards can only go so far if they can stay healthy. They have a history of injuries but they luckily have a promising third man in Joshua Kelley but he’s still young and has a long way to go. McKinnon would be a fine addition to a group that will have one of the worst pass-catchers this upcoming season.
