It's been a rough go these past two weeks for Baltimore Ravens fans. First, it was J.K. Dobbins, who just underwent successful surgery to repair his torn ACL on Thursday. His successful surgery was not a good omen for things to come, however, as running back Gus Edwards and cornerback Marcus Peters also tore their ACLs on Thursday. Not to mention third-string back Justice Hill tearing his Achilles tendon as well. That leaves only Ty'Son Williams (who, fortunately, is no slouch himself) left as original rosterees in the Ravens' running back room.
But life must go on. The Ravens have signed veterans Le'veon Bell and Devonta Freeman to the team as reinforcements, but those two – however elite they once were – are no longer solid producers in the NFL. Baltimore still needs to sign another back or two in order to keep truly fresh legs behind Williams. Here are their top three options, out of this list of potential 0ptions:
Available free agent RBs: Latavius Murray, Todd Gurley, Adrian Peterson, Devonta Freeman, LeSean McCoy, Lamar Miller, D’Onta Foreman, Frank Gore, Chris Thompson, TJ Yeldon, Deandre Washington, Elijah Holyfield
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 9, 2021
Honorable Mentions: Chris Thompson (great pass catching back, versatile runner), Lamar Miller (Pro Bowl in last full season), LeSean McCoy and Todd Gurley (reliable, but unspectacular producers)
1. Latavius Murray
Murray was just released by the Saints, but he's definitely got a lot left in the tank. As a former Pro Bowler and 1,000 yard rusher with the Raiders, Latavius has finished with less than 4 yards per carry in a season only once in his 7-year career, and did a great job filling in as the backup RB for New Orleans last year whenever Alvin Kamara was out with injury or needed a breather. The highlight of his season was his 19 carry, 124 yard, 2 TD outburst against the Denver Broncos in Week 11. He's not the sexiest player out there, but no one available in free agency really is. Baltimore needs guys who can churn out yards, and Murray can do just that.
2. Adrian Peterson
AD. All day Adrian Peterson might as well be called old reliable Adrian Peterson, because he simply continues to produce no matter where he goes. Just three seasons ago, he rushed for over 1,000 yards with the Washington Football Team at age 33. He hasn't been too shabby since then, either, as he's averaged a cumulative total of over 4 yards per carry over the last two seasons, and has been able to put up 1,502 yards and 12 TDs throughout a duration of starting and backup roles with WFT and the Lions. He won't ever be the same back he used to be (nothing close, in fact), but he's as reliable to stay healthy and produce as they come.
3. D'Onta Foreman
Foreman, a third-round draft pick back in just 2017, has mostly become an afterthought across the NFL. However, after being relegated to backup duties behind Lamar Miller and Derrick Henry in his first three seasons, it seems he hasn't really gotten a chance to prove himself in a backfield without a certified workhorse. He's averaged 4.2 yards per carry or better in his two healthy seasons, and isn't a shabby receiver out of the backfield, either. He's the kind of quick, big-bodied, downhill runner that the Ravens love to employ alongside Lamar Jackson, and could prove to be a difference maker in 2021.
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