The Baltimore Ravens went through a brutal injury stretch to their running back room before their 2021 campaign began, losing J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill to season-ending injuries. Thus, the team had to pivot quickly, signing multiple veterans in their place.
One of the running backs that was added on little notice was Latavius Murray, who has had success with multiple NFL teams. He was brought in along with Devonta Freeman and Le’Veon Bell in order to stabilize the team’s ground game, which ended up not being what many have become accustomed to out of Baltimore.
Murray finished the 2021 season with 119 carries for 501 yards and what amounted to a team-leading six rushing touchdowns, as well as 10 receptions for 75 yards. He also missed three games due to injury, playing in 14 throughout the year.
When looking at where Murray could fit in with next year’s Ravens, the fit is a bit of a tough one if Edwards returns at full strength before or even at the start of the season. Both players excel in north/south rushing situations, and at this point in their careers, Edwards is the better player and would get many more snaps as part of the one-two punch with Dobbins. Murray would have to be the No. 3 running back on the team, but it feels like he profiles too similar to Edwards to justify bringing him back unless the team truly feels like the former Rutgers star isn’t ready.
Murray had some solid contributions for Baltimore in 2021. However, it feels like Freeman would be the better option to re-sign if the team wants a veteran option to be their third rusher in 2021.