A new report claims that the Baltimore Ravens are doing their homework on a potential pursuit of the two biggest names on the free agent running back market in 2024.
The Baltimore Ravens lived up to many of their expectations this past season. They ended their campaign with the best record overall in the NFL standings and were able to reach the AFC Championship game earlier this year. However, despite an MVP season from quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens were not good enough to overcome the Kansas City Chiefs.
The frustrating loss in January showed that Jackson needs more weapons on offense if they are going to bring a championship back to Baltimore for the first time since 2012. While many assumed the team might target star receivers in the offseason, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler claimed on a Friday edition of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” that the organization may be looking to get a star to go alongside Jackson in the backfield.
“I’m hearing there are some teams doing homework on the big-name running backs. One is Baltimore. They’re at least looking at film on guys like Saquon Barkley [and] Derrick Henry, and how they would fit if the price is right,” Fowler said.
“Barkley might be pricing himself out of a place like Baltimore because based on talent he’s a player who deserves more than $10 million a year,” he continued, “But we know the running back market has been shaky in recent years. Can the Ravens convince him to chase a championship and take a little bit less? As one league source told me, ‘Could you imagine Saquon and Lamar Jackson in the same backfield? It would be crazy.'”
Is the Baltimore Ravens landing Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry realistic?
The Baltimore Ravens have just over $18 million to spend heading into the offseason (via OverTheCap). However, they could increase that number through releases, trades, and restructuring the contracts of some of their biggest stars. With the Ravens nearly making the NFL title game last season, they have the team to win it all next season if they make the right moves.
Barkley has made it known he wants to cash in and land his first big contract in the league. Even with the selling point of a title run and playing close to home — he is from New York — getting paid will likely be a higher priority for the 27-year-old.
However, based on age and the money available, Derrick Henry landing in Baltimore next season is very possible. The Titans legend averaged $12.5 million last season and with the value of backs at a low point, he will likely get a significant pay cut next season. So playing on a contender for a lower rate makes a lot of sense for him and the team.
Furthermore, there were rumors at the NFL trade deadline that Baltimore came close to landing the four-time Pro Bowler last year.