Ravens GM Eyes RBs in 2024 NFL Free Agency amid Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley Rumors

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta expects the team to be busy in the running back market this offseason.

Ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine, DeCosta told reporters "I think you'll see us make a couple of acquisitions along the way."

Baltimore has Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins hitting free agency, and Dobbins' future is further clouded by the fact he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 1 this year.

This is a great time to be in the hunt for a new running back.

Even elite players at the position are finding they have little to no leverage at the negotiating table, and the stage is set for a star-studded free-agent class.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley and Tony Pollard aren't expected to get the franchise tag for a second straight year. Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler and D'Andre Swift are among the other notable running backs out of contract.

In previewing the offseason, The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec predicted the Ravens "are going to add a big-name running back this offseason."

"I don't know whether it will be Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler or Josh Jacobs, but I foresee them adding a bell-cow back," he wrote.

DeCosta lent some credence to that idea when he not only signaled running back as a position of priority but also said the team was lukewarm about the 2024 draft class.

Florida State's Trey Benson (No. 49) is the only running back in the top 50 of Bleacher Report's most recent 2024 big board. Three others (Notre Dame's Audric Estimé, Texas' Jonathon Brooks and Wisconsin's Braelon Allen) received an overall grade of 7.0 or higher, which is reserved for high-level backups and potential starters.

The Ravens are desperate to make a Super Bowl run and they have a bevy of proven veterans available to sign. The odds of Baltimore making a major upgrade in the backfield look strong.