The Ravens should sign RB Melvin Gordon amidst the rumors

The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly showing interest in free-agent running back Melvin Gordon as the team hopes to improve their backfield depth.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Friday that the Ravens were “in discussions” with Gordon about a potential deal while indicating that the former Denver Broncos running back is a “person of interest in Baltimore.”

Most probably didn’t expect to see the Ravens target a running back, at least one as accomplished as Gordon, in free agency. However, it’s clear that the team is committed to bolstering their backfield depth, especially after what happened last year.

Gordon would be a wise addition for the Ravens at the right price. He’s not an essential signing, but there’s no doubt he’d help the team.

Melvin Gordon makes plenty of sense for the Ravens

A first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Gordon spent the first five seasons of his career with the Chargers where he established himself as one of the better running backs in football.

Gordon was named to two Pro Bowls rushing for 36 touchdowns over four seasons from 2016 to 2019. He left to join the Denver Broncos in 2020, and rather than whittle away as many running backs do on their second contracts, he actually played quite well.

The former Wisconsin star has just shy of 2,000 total yards and 17 touchdowns over the last two seasons all while averaging a very efficient 4.6 yards per carry. Two of the three most efficient seasons of his career have come in Denver.

Even at 28-years-old (he turns 29 later this month), Gordon has proven that he can still play at a pretty high level. He would represent a sizable upgrade to the Ravens’ backfield.

J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are set to return in 2022, but the Ravens aren’t going to bank on their health. Not after what happened last season. If all three backs are healthy, the Ravens would boast one of the best three-headed backfields in the NFL — if not the best.

Sure, the Ravens could turn to the middle rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft in search of another running back, and that option does make some sense. They could even look to bring back a player like Devonta Freeman who impressed down the stretch in 2021.

But with so many other needs to address in the draft, if the price is right with Melvin Gordon, this is a move they should make. He still has plenty left in the tank.