The Baltimore Ravens are expected to craft a run-heavy offensive scheme to help protect young quarterback Lamar Jackson. With Greg Roman as the offensive coordinator and Jackson still developing good mechanics as a passer, leaning on the run and defense is a smart move for Baltimore. They already have the foundation in place to run such an offensive scheme, and it gives them the chance to patiently develop Jackson.
However, it doesn’t seem like the Ravens are excited to go into the season with Gus Edwards and Kenneth Dixon as the team’s starting running back duo. According to Josina Anderson of ESPN and confirmed by NBC Sports’ Peter King, Baltimore is one of just a few teams in the running to sign former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. He is a free agent after sitting out the entire 2018 season amid a contract dispute.
The Ravens have seen a number of their defensive starters agree to deals elsewhere at the start of the NFL’s legal tampering period. That hasn’t tied up any of their available cap space and likely has pushed them to change the plans slightly. Signing Bell would be a huge splash for the Ravens.
Baltimore fans know just how dangerous Bell can be both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield. Bell has accounted for 5,336 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns on 1,229 attempts over five seasons. He’s added another 2,660 yards and seven receiving touchdowns on 312 receptions over that same span. The questions would just how much Bell still has left in the tank after that many touches, and whether he can return to his All-Pro form after sitting out a year.
