Baltimore Ravens Should Not Go After Jamaal Charles Or Adrian Peterson

There is no need for the Baltimore Ravens to go after Jamal Charles or Adrian Peterson this offseason

Free agency does not officially start until March 9th, but there already moves being made by teams, leaving the Baltimore Ravens with some options. Today two premiere running backs in Adrian Peterson and Jamaal Charles were released by their respective teams. Peterson’s release was expected, but the release of Charles was a bit of a surprise. Both running backs have dealt with injuries over the past few seasons and are getting past their prime. After the injuries, it was inevitable that the two relationships were going to end at some point.

The release of the two creates a lot of excitement going into the beginning of free agency. Both are regarded as top five backs when they are healthy. There are teams in the Giants, Chargers, Colts that could desperate use a running back; but there are also teams like the Ravens who need one, but not necessarily right away. Even with the need, the Ravens should not take a chance on either of these running backs.

Ravens need a back, but not these two

Even with Terrance West and Kennith Dixon, the Ravens are still looking for a game changer at the running back position. It may be tempting to go after Peterson or Charles, but it would not be a logical decision.

As I stated before, Charles and Peterson have both dealt with injuries the last few seasons. It would be different if these injuries were minor, but they are not. Peterson is coming off a torn  meniscus and Charles if coming off of a torn ACL. Injuries were one of the main reasons why the Ravens struggled last season. There is no reason to gamble on a running back coming off of a major knee injury.

The Ravens are also extremely tight in cap space. It is more important to focus on keeping Brandon Williams, Kyle Juszczyk, and Rick Wagner before going after a running back. These three players have cemented themselves on the team and are keys to improving next season. Even if one or two were to walk, it is going to be a high price tag to sign Peterson or Charles. It is highly likely that both backs will have to take pay cuts, but there are other teams that have more money to offer than the Ravens.

The Bottom Line:

The Ravens could use a running back, but there are more important positions to address. The cornerback, wide receiver, and offensive line positions are a top priority over selecting a running back. As we have seen before, there are plenty of options in the NFL draft, even in the mid-late rounds. Kenneth Dixon was selected in the fourth round of last years draft.

Next: Free Agency 2017: 3 Linebacker Targets For The Ravens

Of course signing Adrian Peterson or Jamaal Charles creates excitement for a team and its fan base, but that is not what the Ravens need right now. There is frustration from fans, but this would be a short term solution to a long term problem. If either were to come to Baltimore, it would be on a one or two year contract. Both are 30+ years old and the career span of a running back does not last much longer.