The Baltimore Ravens are Super Bowl contenders, but the running back position has been ravaged by injuries. Dianna Russini of The Athletic has tabbed the Ravens among teams interested in adding to their running back depth (subscription required).
Here are three players who could add some quality depth to the position and help Baltimore make a push to the playoffs.
3. Dalvin Cook, New York Jets
After six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Dalvin Cook signed with the New York Jets for two reasons: to play with Aaron Rodgers, and to compete for a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, neither of those things are happening, and Cook has carried the ball only 41 times this season.
He would cost Baltimore over $3 million for the rest of the season (unless New York were to pick up part of the check), but given the fact that he should come very cheap compensation-wise, it could be worth it for the Ravens to see if he can regain his previous form with more opportunities.
Cook averaged a career-low 4.4 yards per carry last season, and his average this year is just 2.8, albeit on a very small sample size. He does not appear to the in the Jets' plans, either for this season or moving forward, so they'll likely be looking to move him for just about anything. A late-round pick swap could do the trick, and that could be worth it for Baltimore.
2. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
The Giants are reportedly telling teams that Barkley is not available, but that's what they all say. That could change if the Ravens were to make New York a convincing offer for the 26-year-old, who is playing on a one-year deal that initially started out as the franchise tag.
If he is not dealt, it will be very interesting to see how the Giants handle contract extension negotiations with him, as using the franchise tag on a player more than once can quickly become expensive.
Barkley has an extensive injury history, which may dissuade Baltimore from targeting him, but as far as on-field contributions go, Barkley would be the most effective player on this list. In addition to his running prowess, he's an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and it's easy to imagine how well he'd fit in the Ravens offense along with Lamar Jackson.
He's not having a great 2023 season, but injuries (both to himself and to his offensive line) are playing a part in that, and a change of scenery to a contender where he doesn't have to be the centerpiece of the offense could do him wonders.
Despite what they are apparently hearing from the Giants' brass, the Ravens should continue to inquire about Barkley and see if they can make something happen.
1. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Now 29 years old, Derrick Henry has been one of the top runners in the league over the past six years. In 2023, he's averaging 4.4 yards per carry and has scored three touchdowns after rushing for over 1,500 yards and 13 scores a season ago.
Henry is in the final year of his contract and is due $5.5 million over the rest of the season. That's a pretty high price tag for a half-year rental, but the Ravens could figure out a way to make it work if they wanted to.
The real question is whether or not the Titans are open to dealing Henry. Reportedly, the Ravens and Tennessee had agreed to a deal, but it was shot down by Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk.
If that is truly the case, perhaps the front office could convince her to have a change of heart over the next few hours, for the greater good. Sitting at 3-4 with the playoffs looking like a longshot, the rest of this season should be devoted to seeing what they have in Will Levis, and adding a draft pick for an expiring contract of a running back would help moving forward.
