Ravens are right not to pursue RB Todd Gurley in free agency

When the news of J.K. Dobbins’ injury broke, many assumed that the Baltimore Ravens could reach out to free-agent running back Todd Gurley as a potential replacement for their talented young tailback.

However, it doesn’t appear as though the Ravens are very interested in bringing in the Baltimore native.

As reported by Josina Anderson on Monday, the Ravens are “not expected to pursue” Gurley as they are comfortable with their running back depth at this time.

How much of that statement is actually true is up for debate, of course. But it does seem unlikely that the Ravens bring in Gurley, at least in the immediate future.

The Ravens should not pursue Todd Gurley

Gurley visited with the team a few months ago and seemed like a reasonable potential addition at the time. He’s from the Baltimore area and could have provided extra competition to Justice Hill for the third running back spot.

However, a lot has changed since then.

Dobbins is out for the year while former undrafted free agent Ty’Son Williams has seemingly surpassed Hill as the designated RB2 behind Gus Edwards.

The Ravens could certainly use extra running back help. They’re one Gus Edwards injury away from trotting out Williams and Hill as their top two running backs.

But if the Ravens are to add another player to their backfield, Gurley shouldn’t be their top option.

The two-time All-Pro is a shell of his former self having rushed for less than 700 yards despite nearly 200 carries a year ago. His 3.5 yards per carry was among the worst in the NFL.

Injuries have plagued his career and it’s at the point where Gurley is a borderline roster-able player — hence why he’s still a free agent as we approach September.

Gurley hasn’t been an effective running back in three years. The Ravens would be better served scouring the waiver wire for a potential addition there.

Players such as Peyton Barber, Rashaad Penny, or Wayne Gallman could find their way onto the open market in the next 24 hours. Any of those three players would likely be more appealing additions than Gurley.

Todd Gurley’s best days are behind him. And although the Ravens need running back help, Gurley simply isn’t the answer.

They’re right to go in a different direction.