The Baltimore Ravens had a nightmare unfold before their eyes in the weeks leading up to the 2021 season, as they lost their entire remaining running back room from the previous year to injury. Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill all suffered major lower-leg injuries, which held them out for the entire season.
In the wake of the injuries Baltimore signed multiple veteran running backs, including Devonta Freeman. The former Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and New Orleans Saints rusher had just been let go by New Orleans, and was able to come to the Ravens in game shape, which was beneficial.
Freeman finished the 2021 season with 133 carries for 576 yards and five rushing touchdowns, as well as 42 receptions for 190 yards and one score through the air. He ended up leading all Baltimore running backs in carries and yards, and was second in ground scores.
The veteran started the year off slow, but was able to finish it in a strong way. He showed versatility both as a runner and as a pass catcher, which is extremely valued by every NFL team. He stepped into a new organization, learned a new playbook in a short amount of time and showed up in some very big spots along the way.
Even though Dobbins and Edwards will hopefully be ready for the start of 2022, the Ravens will still need a third running back to take some of the burden off of them as they ease back into action. Hill doesn’t feel like the answer, and Freeman earned a shot to stick with the team as their No. 3 back based off of his performance in 2021.
Whether Baltimore decides to go younger at the position and draft their third running back or stick with a veteran option remains to be seen. However, Freeman wouldn’t break the bank, has familiarity with the offense and showed that he has value in multiple roles. If the two sides can agree on a deal that works for both of them, it would be a good move for the Ravens to bring him back.