The second of the Baltimore Ravens’ moves during the NFL’s legal tampering period, running back Mark Ingram comes to the Ravens from the New Orleans Saints. Considered one of the top free agents this offseason, Ingram bolsters Baltimore’s backfield at a time they’ll be leaning more on them.
I talked to the staff here at Ravens Wire to give me their initial reactions and grades to the signing of Ingram. Everyone pointed to Ingram’s price tag and production as a reason for positive grades all around.
Matthew Stevens: B+
I like Ingram and think he’s actually an upgrade over either Dixon and Edwards. He’s a relative bargain at running back in this free agent market and has very little miles on him considering how long he’s been in the league.
While I think Ingram has a similar style to Dixon and Edwards, he’s a consistent veteran the Ravens can lean on. Given their decision to use a run-heavy scheme next season, they’ll need that reliability throughout the entire year.
Wola Odeniran: B
When the news first broke out that Mark Ingram was gaining interest from the Ravens, I was skeptical at first because I wasn’t sure how much they would pay Ingram per season.
But now that it’s a three-year deal worth $15 million, that’s a solid contract for a player who contributed nicely in a high powered New Orleans Saints offense with an average of 4.7 yards-per-carry and seven total touchdowns as a backup last season.
Chuck Mills: B
With Ingram, the Ravens gain a proven running back that will work in this offense without having to break the bank on a player like Le’Veon Bell. A good move considering the direction of the new offense.
Kevin Oestreicher: B+
The Ravens got their guy. After not even offering Le’Veon Bell a contract, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Baltimore “settled” for Ingram.
While a bit older than Bell and more of a bruiser like Gus Edwards, Ingram can also catch the ball. It’s worth noting that Edwards had two receptions during the 2018 season, so Ingram and his receiving ability will help take some pressure off of Lamar Jackson.
Nathan Beaucage: B+
I was always of the mind the Ravens would do just fine without picking up a running back this offseason. The triple threat of Javorius Allen, Kenneth Dixon and Gus Edwards worked just fine last season, and there was no reason to believe that a similar attack wouldn’t work again. However, at $5 million-per-year, it’s not hard to get behind this signing.
With Ingram, Baltimore is getting a talented, proven veteran back at a bargain price. Greg Roman has a history of coaxing greatness out of veteran rushers (e.g., LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore) and Ingram fits that mold perfectly.
