The Baltimore Ravens were ravished by injuries throughout the 2021 season. One of the biggest areas of impact came in the backfield where both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards both suffered season-ending injuries before the start of the year. While both of those players are expected to be back for 2022, Baltimore does look to be on the doorstep of bolstering that position group as the team is in discussions with current free agent running back Melvin Gordon, according to NFL Network.
Gordon has spent the last two seasons with the Broncos where he totaled over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns in each of those campaigns. While productive in Denver, the club did draft fellow running back Javonte Williams in the second round of last year's draft and it appears he will adopt the bulk of Gordon's work and ascend to the lead-back role in 2022.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta recently noted that the Ravens may take a running back at some point during the 2022 NFL Draft. However, if they are successful in landing Gordon, that may eliminate that need as they would have been able to fill that hole in free agency.
Gordon does present a proven and healthy body in the backfield if Dobbins, Edwards, or Justice Hill (who also suffered a season-ending injury) hit a snag in their recovery. Even if all of those backs are healthy, the Ravens are one of the more run-heavy teams in the NFL, so there should be enough work to go around. Despite all those injuries to the backfield (and quarterback Lamar Jackson), Baltimore was third in the NFL with 517 total rushing attempts last season. In 2020, the franchise had a league-high 555 rushing attempts.
Gordon entered the league as a first-round draft choice of the then-San Diego Chargers. The 28-year-old played five seasons for the Chargers and was named to the Pro Bowl twice over that stretch while averaging roughly 1,222 yards from scrimmage.
NFL free agency 2022: Ravens discussing deal with Melvin Gordon, per report - CBS Sports
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