The Baltimore Ravens have put together many great rosters over the course of their franchise history. They’re able to do so with a combination of shrewd free agent signings, quality draft picks, as well as keeping an eye on the trade market.
When listing out some of the NFL stars who should be on trade watch during the 2022 offseason, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report named New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley as one of the more surprising names. Davenport listed off a few potential destinations for the star running back, including Baltimore. The article also mentions the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both of which ESPN’s Jeremey Fowler mentioned in a previous article.
“Fowler listed the Buccaneers and 49ers as potential suitors, and given the Baltimore Ravens’ reliance on the run and the injuries that destroyed their backfield in 2021, they also seem like a good fit.”
Barkley is a phenomenal player when he’s healthy, but injuries have been the story of the past few years for the former Penn State University star. He suited up in just two games for New York in 2020, and dealt with more injuries in 2021 to go along with a 3.7 yards per carry average in 13 games. However, in his only full NFL season Barkley totaled 1,307 rushing yards and 11 ground scores, averaging five yards per carry.
The running back is set to make $7.2 million in 2022 due to his fifth-year option, and the Ravens would most likely have to part with a mid-round selection at the very least to acquire him. However, pairing Barkley with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards would instantly make Baltimore’s running back group the best in the NFL. It’s just a matter of if the team can afford to spend upwards of $7 million on a position that’s already a strength, and what they’d be willing to give up in terms of draft capital to add him. It seems like an unlikely move, but the Ravens have surprised before.
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