Ravens: 3 running backs Baltimore could trade for at the deadline
By Justin Fried
2. Ravens RB target: Ronald Jones (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Ronald Jones is another running back who finds himself the subject of trade rumors this October. Jones, much like Mack, has slid down the depth chart in Tampa Bay in favor of Leonard Fournette and Giovani Bernard.
And with numerous teams eyeing running back depth, the Buccaneers have reportedly been fielding offers for Jones. The Ravens would be wise to inquire about his availability.
Jones is just a year removed from his best season as a pro in which he rushed for 978 yards and seven touchdowns on an excellent 5.1 yards per carry.
He was a very effective runner last year, although he has had ball security issues in the past which could scare away head coach John Harbaugh. Just look at what Ty’Son Williams’ status is at the moment.
Nonetheless, Jones is on a cheap rookie contract making him affordable for the Ravens, and it likely wouldn’t take anything more than a mid-Day 3 pick to make it work.
In six games this season, Jones has carried the ball 31 times for 118 yards and a touchdown on a subpar 3.8 yards-per-carry average. He’s also added three catches for 33 yards in the air.
Jones would immediately become the most explosive running back on the Ravens roster and someone who could fill that Ty’Son Williams role if the coaching staff continues to confine him to the doghouse (or even another team).
He’s cheap and likely wouldn’t require much draft capital to trade for. Ronald Jones makes a lot of sense as a potential target for the Ravens.