This offseason, the Baltimore Ravens will need to figure out their running back room. It could look a whole lot different when the 2024 season kicks off, and it might start in free agency.
Recently Pro Football Focus released a piece on some top free agent running backs and logical landing spots. One of the more notable names at the position this spring is D'Andre Swift, who spent the 2023 season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
PFF's Brad Spielberger seems to think the Ravens are one of the top two destinations for Swift.
"The Ravens probably did their homework on Swift when they took J.K. Dobbins about 20 picks later in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and now Dobbins and Gus Edwards are free agents while upshot rookie Keaton Mitchell is recovering from a gruesome knee injury sustained late in the season," Spielberger wrote.
Does Swift make sense for the Ravens as a free agency signing?
I would guess Ravens fans are inclined to think very few veteran running backs are worth pursuing in free agency. Obviously, the top name is Derrick Henry, who would be a dream in Baltimore.
Swift, on the other hand, started his career seemingly always banged up. Yes, he is coming off a career year in Philly which saw him rush for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns. He's also able to catch the football.
But, the Ravens should be cautious with Swift.
Lions running back D'Andre Swift told me he "played the whole season with a high ankle sprain and a separated shoulder."
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) January 10, 2023
Full interview from the locker room clean-out day: pic.twitter.com/hmrf5PIzUc
Whether his injury history has been sheer bad luck, a case of mismanagement, or Swift being just plain injury-prone, he comes with red flags.
We all loved seeing his breakout performance in prime time against the Vikings last year, which put him on the map as the Eagles' no. 1 back. But, maybe the Ravens should err on the side of caution.
Other free agent options include: Austin Ekeler, Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, among others.
The best plan of attack might be to address the position in the draft if Baltimore wants a long-term solution. If it's about loading up for a Super Bowl run this coming year, though, then why not go after King Henry?
Swift is a viable option, assuming good health, but he might not be the ideal target.