Baltimore Ravens: The pros and cons of targeting Le’Veon Bell
The Cons:
Signing Bell would be a major investment, key word major. Bell wants to get paid and the Ravens have a lot of work to do with their cap space. They want to re-sign C.J. Mosley. They want to bring back Terrell Suggs. Za’Darius Smith is a free agent while Matt Judon is slated to be one next year. The only receivers they have under contract are Willie Snead, Chris Moore, Quincy Adeboyejo and Jordan Lasley. Jackson needs to develop as a passer and bringing in wide receivers is critically important. The Ravens also have to fix the interior of their offensive line. The amount of work the Ravens have to get done this offseason is unbelievably stressful. With all of that in mind, paying a running back shouldn’t be at the top of their priorities.
There are more affordable answers at the running back position. Josh Jacobs, Devin Singletary and David Montgomery are all amazing running back prospects in the NFL Draft. Bell is the best free agent option, but the Ravens could be more frugal in free agency with another back. Running back is not a position the Ravens have an empty cupboard at.
Next. 3 free agent wide receivers for the Ravens to target. dark
Bell would make a good thing great, but the Ravens need to focus on what they don’t already do well. 16 NFL running backs had over 900 yards rushing last year. Edwards had over 700 yards rushing and he only started six games. While Bell is a rare talent at the running back position, the Ravens can be totally fine at the position without him. Getting Bell would annoy the Steelers, but this isn’t a move that is aligned with the Ravens typical methods. If the Ravens can get Bell at a price that works into the long-term plan of the franchise, then they can go for it. That’s going to be tough to do, and there will be plenty of competition for Bell’s services.