Bad news: lamar jackson has been denounced and betrayed,read more..
Derrick Henry: In November, Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey said on his podcast that he was told there was an 85% chance of Henry getting dealt to Baltimore before the 2023 trade deadline. That didn’t happen, but buzz is building for Henry to land in Baltimore.
Former Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III wrote on social media: “Derrick Henry should be a Baltimore Raven because he already plays like a Raven.”
Since 2019, Henry has rushed for 7,209 yards — 1,664 more than any other player — and has run for 68 touchdowns in 72 games. The obvious concern is Henry’s age (30) and workload (2,030 carries). But the Ravens love veteran leaders who can positively impact culture, like Odell Beckham Jr. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s coming off a season where he finished second in rushing yards (1,167).
Saquon Barkley: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said someone from the Ravens told him, “Could you imagine Saquon Barkley and Lamar Jackson [in] the same backfield?”
Barkley has been among the NFL’s best dual threats since the New York Giants selected him with the No. 2 pick in 2018, producing over 1,000 total yards in four of six seasons. But durability is a concern with Barkley, who has missed at least three games in four of the past five seasons, including most of the 2020 season because of a torn ACL.
Josh Jacobs: This could be a boom-or-bust signing. In 2022, Jacobs led the NFL in rushing (1,653 yards) and yards from scrimmage (2,053). Last season, after missing all of training camp and the preseason to protest the franchise tag, Jacobs finished with career lows in games played (13), rushing yards (805), yards per carry (3.5), rushing touchdowns (6), rushing first downs (34) and yards from scrimmage (1,101).
Austin Ekeler: He’s been one of the NFL’s best at getting into the end zone, but he’s coming off a disappointing season. Last season, he averaged a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry and totaled 1,064 yards from scrimmage, his fewest since 2020. After scoring 38 touchdowns in 2021 and 2022, Ekeler was limited to six last season.
Tony Pollard: His past two seasons have been the definition of steady production. Pollard ranked in the top 10 with 2,012 rushing yards (seventh), 52 runs over 10 yards (ninth) and 2,694 total yards from scrimmage (2,694). Although he wasn’t as explosive last season, Pollard seems like one of the safer bets in free agency at this position.
Under the radar
D’Andre Swift: This has the makings of being a great fit in terms of value and playing style. Swift is familiar with run-pass option plays and the pistol formation after rushing for a career-high 1,049 yards, which ranked fifth, with the Philadelphia Eagles. He is just one of six running backs last season with 1,000-plus rushing yards and 35-plus receptions. At 25, Swift is also one of the youngest free agent running backs.
Leave a Reply