The Baltimore Ravens once again cooked up the best rushing attack in the NFL, as Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards ripped up even the sharpest defenses last year. Even after such a terrific year, the Ravens will head into free agency with more uncertainty in the backfield.
The improved Edwards is a free agent after running for a career-best 13 touchdowns and failing to come to terms on an extension with Baltimore. While an Edwards return could still very much be in the cards, the latest rumors make it seem like Baltimore is going to go big-game hunting as they push for a championship.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN (subscription required) reported the Ravens would be looking to add "a running back with pedigree" in free agency. In an unlikely twist of fate, this free agency class is full of proven Pro Bowl talents who could maximize their production by sharing the backfield with the league's MVP in Jackson.
The Ravens will likely have an interest in one of these top running backs if Fowler's reporting is accurate. If they can land any one of this trio on a multi-year contract, Baltimore would be set in the backfield for most of Jackson's prime on the back of a tremendous ground game.
3 high-end running backs the Baltimore Ravens could sign in free agency
3. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys
Pollard was finally given the chance to be a feature back after Ezekiel Elliott was banished to the Patriots. While he may not have been the game-changer some may have expected, Pollard was productive enough to where some team, perhaps Dallas, will pay him like a starting running back.
Pollard lost more than a yard off his yards per carry average (5.2 to 4.0) and had his fewest receiving yards since 2020 despite setting a new personal-best mark in catches. However, he still tipped 1,000 yards in a pass-happy offense that didn't often play to his strengths. Baltimore could be a much better environment.
Tony Pollard could sign with the Baltimore Ravens
Pollard has proven to be a big-play threat and quality receiver with the Cowboys, something the one-cut bowling ball knows as Edwards often has difficulty doing. The stylistic change would not only make the team more explosive, but it would hand Jackson another passing game weapon he didn't have before.
Pollard will be 27 next season, and even the best running backs don't get expensive second contracts. There is a very good chance he will go to whoever the highest bidder is, meaning Eric DeCosta must be willing to throw some money around and let some veterans go to afford his salary.
2. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
It's hard to meet expectations set for you as a running back that gets picked No. 2 overall, and injuries (coupled with poor offensive lines) prevented Barkley from doing that in New York. Barkley had his second season out of three with under 4.0 yards per carry, but he continued to put some encouraging moments together.
Barkley, who won't be franchise-tagged, recorded his second consecutive season of at least 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. Quarterback injuries left the Giants so bereft of skill around him that he had to initiate most of the offense. With the MVP Jackson as his quarterback, Barkley wouldn't be under the microscope every game.
Saquon Barkley could leave the Giants for the Baltimore Ravens
Imagine the difference in quality of life as a running back going from Daniel Jones and one of the worst offensive lines in the league to a league MVP in Jackson and a veteran-laden group that is, at worst, a passable unit. Saquon got worthwhile support around him in 2022, and that led to a Pro Bowl and a postseason win.
As effective as Edwards is in short-yardage situations, he and Barkley are in two different stratospheres as athletes. Still just 27 despite what feels like an eternity in New York, Barkley's best years are ahead of him if he lands in a scheme that maximizes him.
1. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Henry has all but said he is leaving Tennessee, as he is putting the chance to compete for a championship over his loyalty to the Titans as they rebuild with Brian Callahan and Will Levis. Which team in Baltimore's tier could give him a starting role and the chance to possibly hoist the Lombardi trophy?
Henry has some serious wear on his tires, as he led the league in carries four times in five years while averaging 27 carries per game in eight games before getting hurt in 2021. Henry might be 30 with battle scars, but even a quick watch of the Titans last year showed he has gas left in the tractor.
Derrick Henry might join the Baltimore Ravens
Henry is still able to rip off big runs down the field, all while being enough of a bulldozer in his traditional style to justify a contract at his age. Keep in mind he did all that with a putrid offensive line, a rookie quarterback, and an offensive coaching staff so poor it got a great coach in Mike Vrabel fired.
Henry is going to get a big contract from a contender, meaning that Baltimore might risk losing out on him to a team that has eyes on the prize. Baltimore had multiple league-best rushing attacks with Edwards at the helm. Imagine the results if they added a player like Henry.