The Ravens have a crowded backfield once again after signing RB Melvin Gordon to a one-year deal on Friday. Here are three reasons the addition of the veteran running back makes sense.
Insurance policy
It has been predicted for some time that Baltimore would add another running back to the mix with some of the uncertainty surrounding J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards after neither player has participated with the team this offseason. The two running backs have missed a combined 51 games over past two seasons as well.
The Ravens still have RB Justice Hill in the group, but the addition of Gordon further proves they won’t be quick to throw Dobbins and Edwards back into action during training camp coming off serious injuries.
Cheap deal
Baltimore signed Gordon to a cheap contract worth up to $3.1 million, which likely means it’s lower in guarantees. If Dobbins and Edwards are able to get fully healthy by the start of the season, they’ll see the majority of carries, reducing the likelihood that Gordon would meet some of his incentives and recoup the contract’s full worth.
Although it would be surprising if Gordon didn’t make the Ravens’ 53-man roster, the deal doesn’t necessarily make him a roster lock. Baltimore has typically carried four running backs on its roster but if the team plans to ramp up the pass attack, Gordon could become a roster casualty.
Gordon provides a veteran presence without creating any sort of financial handcuff for the team.
Not the long-term replacement
Gordon is now 30, which is pretty old in running back years in the NFL. Last season, he was cut by the Broncos midseason and couldn’t get off the Chiefs’ practice squad. He also had just 318 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in 2022.
If the Ravens begin to have serious concerns about Dobbins, there are much better options still available in free agency, such as Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott. So, it would be very surprising if Baltimore were to replace Dobbins with Gordon if that scenario arises.
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