A once promising talent in Kenneth Dixon has perhaps outstayed his welcome in Baltimore. That certainly doesn’t mean another team might want him, however.
Many fans believed that Kenneth Dixon could join the likes of Jamal Lewis, Willis McGahee, and Ray Rice among the greatest running backs in Baltimore Ravens history. The incredible production and versatility that he brought with him from his college days at Louisiana Tech would back-up support this thought. Even on tape, Dixon looked like an elusive and smart runner who would be destined to become a bell-cow at the next level.
However, the NFL is an unforgiving sport, and more importantly a business. There’s no time for sympathy and certainly even less for players who can’t develop or hinder the team. In the case of Kenneth Dixon, he’s done everything to make a team lose hope in him.
The talent is there for Dixon, but our questions are about his reliability. Because of Dixon’s checkered past with injuries and suspensions, he remains a large question mark for the time.
Considering the plethora of talent Baltimore has at running back, Dixon is undeniably the odd-man out. That doesn’t mean that cutting him is the only logical choice to make with him, however. Instead, the Ravens could advertise Dixon and find a trade market for him.
Believe it or not, Kenneth Dixon has been far better than we may think. Sure, he hasn’t even gotten close to living up to our expectations, but when he’s been on the field he’s been solid. In 2018, Dixon totted the rock 60 times for 333-yards and two touchdowns. His average of 5.6 was a team-high for running backs with at least 60 carries.
Combined with Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards, the three formed a formidable rushing attack. Dixon had just one game with under 4.0 YPC from weeks 13-17 and rushed for over 100-yards in the season final vs. Cleveland. In a committee, Dixon could thrive.
Kenneth Dixon will never become what we hoped he could be, nor will he ever be a featured back in this league. Nonetheless, he can find a role with someone else and have success. The Baltimore Ravens likely realize this, and will hold on to him as a trade asset. In a worst case scenario, the team will hold onto Dixon as a fantastic depth player and a piece move at a later time. Of all the players Baltimore possesses, Kenneth Dixon might be their best trade resource.