Although some of the best running backs available in free agency this spring have been connected to the Baltimore Ravens, it appears that their general manager is willing to stick with the starting RB from the previous campaign.
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This past season, the Ravens were only one victory away from making it to the Super Bowl. It became evident that the team needed to improve offensively and not rely too much on the arm and legs of the gifted quarterback if they expected to win it all the next season, even with the best efforts of 2023 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.
For this reason, the team has been mentioned as considering to bolster their wide receiver or offensive line for the next campaign with their first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. There have also been whispers of an upgrading at running back, and a recent rumor said they may seek free agent studs Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley.
Even if those two exceptional veterans may still be pursued, general manager Eric DeCosta seemed receptive to the notion of bringing back JK Dobbins, the starting running back from the previous season, even though he has only appeared in nine games in the previous two seasons.
“We’re still in communication with Gus Edwards. We’ll speak with J.K. about a few free agents we have, DeCosta said on Tuesday on the team’s website. “We’re optimistic that we can work with those folks to accomplish anything.
Though it is an unexpected choice, the Ravens had high expectations for Dobbins before to this past season because the former second-round selection had flashed flashes of brilliance in 2022. Sadly, he tore his Achilles in Week 1 of 2023 despite being handed the starting role, and his 2022 season was cut short by an ACL injury.
Though the Baltimore Ravens don’t have a lot of money to spend this summer, the organization could believe he can recover from both injuries, and he would undoubtedly cost very little in free agency.