In the AFC Championship Game, the Baltimore Ravens completely stunned football fans by abandoning their run game, which ultimately led to a defeat over the Chiefs.
Ever since Lamar Jackson became their primary quarterback, they have been among the run-heavy teams in football.
In the end, Baltimore’s running backs only received the ball six times during the defeat.
It appears that they will make an effort to ensure that doesn’t occur again in 2024 during this offseason.
The Ravens plan to target a well-known running back in the 2024 NFL offseason, said Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
“Some league personnel believe the Ravens will pursue a running back with a proven track record in free agency.”
Ravens Running Back Situation Right Now
For the 2024 campaign, the Ravens have a critical need to fill at running back.
Due to injuries at the position, Gus Edwards started most of the 2023 campaign. Despite having a fantastic season and scoring 13 touchdowns on the ground, his time in Baltimore may be coming to an end since his contract has now been invalidated.
In the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, J.K. Dobbins was selected as the team’s starting running back. Sadly, injuries have wrecked his career, and this winter, he can finally enter the free agent market.
It doesn’t seem likely that the Ravens will commit to him now, following yet another serious injury, as they refused to do last offseason.
Keaton Mitchell, who had some promise as a rookie, is in Baltimore. But in Week 15, he suffered an ACL tear, which may prevent him from playing when the new season begins.
Justice Hill is another player they have, but he has spent his entire career as a backup and might be benched to free up budget space.
In free agency this summer, the Ravens will have a wide range of talented players to pick from. However, they still need to find someone who can be a real RB1 for them in 2024.
Options for Free Agents
The Ravens will have a wide range of possibilities if they want to sign a well-known running back this offseason.
Derrick Henry, who has been among the league’s most productive running backs for the past five years, is one of the betting favorites to sign.
Just one year after leading the NFL in rushing yards, Josh Jacobs may possibly explore the free agent market.
Tony Pollard is eligible to leave the Cowboys following his second season of 1,000 yards or more.
In 2021 and 2022, Austin Ekeler accounted for over 1500 yards overall; however, in 2023, his output decreased. He might still be the Ravens’ flexible option.
After breaking 1300 yards in 2022, Saquon Barkley was forced to play the 2023 season under the franchise tag. Barkley is another player the Ravens might target because he won’t be able to play on the tag again in 2024.
After joining the Eagles in 2023, D’Andre Swift’s career took a turn for the better. Although he was nominated for the Pro Bowl and rushed for 1049 yards in 2023, he will probably grow too costly for Philadelphia to retain.
It nearly seems inevitable that the Ravens will select a well-known player to take over as their RB1,, given the amount of quality that could be available.
