Eric DeCosta sets the record straight on Ravens' offseason plans at running back

The Baltimore Ravens could end up seeing a few new faces at the running back position in the coming months. Out of the seven running backs who logged at least one offensive snap for the Ravens this past season, only two such players are under contract with the team for the 2024 campaign. Justice Hill […]

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Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) carries the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens could end up seeing a few new faces at the running back position in the coming months.

Out of the seven running backs who logged at least one offensive snap for the Ravens this past season, only two such players are under contract with the team for the 2024 campaign. Justice Hill has one year left on his contract with Baltimore, while Keaton Mitchell is under team control for three more years.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta noted during a press conference at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine that he has plans to bolster his team’s depth out at running back.

"Well, we need more than two running backs, so certainly I think you'll see us make a couple acquisitions along the way," DeCosta said. "We think Keaton Mitchell is going to come back from his knee injury. Justice is a player last year, probably one of the unsung heroes of our whole team.

"… We've look at the draft class, probably not as deep as some other positions that we'll see in this year's draft class. There are some UFAs this year in free agency, some talented players that we will look at as well."

Could J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards return?

J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards each will become an unrestricted free agent in March. DeCosta made clear on Tuesday that he is "hopeful that we can get something with those guys."

The Ravens could very well turn to this year’s free agency period to find a new starting running back. Baltimore has been linked with a few standout running backs as of late, including Tennessee Titans’ Derrick Henry, who is set to be out of a contract next month.