Ravens Free Agency: Running Backs Returning?

The Baltimore Ravens had another injury-riddled season at running back in 2023, and because of that, the position could look very different for the team next year.

The Baltimore Ravens had another injury-riddled season at running back in 2023, and because of that, the position could look very different for the team next year.

Gus Edwards performed admirably after taking over for J.K. Dobbins, who went down in Week 1 with a torn Achilles, and Keaton Mitchell played well until he, too, was lost for the year. The team ended the season with Edwards and Justice Hill, and Dalvin Cook, who was signed mid-season after spending some of camp with the team.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh spoke on the current running back situation and what could happen in free agency as next season approaches.

“Well, I’m glad we have Justice [Hill] on a two-year deal. Last year, [vice president of football administration] Nick [Matteo] was able to get a two-year deal done with Justice, and Justice was really one the unsung heroes of the team this year, down the stretch," Harbaugh said. "I mean, the guy had a phenomenal season. 

"Obviously, we do have some free agents, and it was a challenge this year, with J.K. [Dobbins’] injury, which was unfortunate and terrible for us, and then with Keaton [Mitchell]. But we’ll assess that market, we’ll talk to those guys, [and] we’ll try to … We’ll see where things kind of lay with Gus [Edwards] and J.K. – both [are] two guys that I have a lot of respect for [and have been] two outstanding players for us over the past three or four years. 

"We’ll look at the draft, we’ll look at free agency. That’s kind of a position, like offensive line; like, we’ve got to have some good running backs, [and] I think we do – part of that is predicated on how guys come back from injuries. But I know [that] we’ve got a great running backs coach [Willie Taggart], and we’ll be ready to go.”

Will Salary Cap Increase Help Ravens Keep Top Free Agents?

If the team wants Dobbins back he might agree to a one-year deal to rebuild his worth in the league for a bigger deal after next season, and Edwards could return at a reduced rate.

Baltimore could also bring in a bigger free agent name like Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard or Josh Jacobs to improve the room rather than just recycling the roster from last season.