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Justin Forsett Released by Ravens: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
The Baltimore Ravens released veteran running back Justin Forsett on Saturday, according to an announcement from the team's official website.
The 30-year-old played 10 games for the Ravens in 2015, running for 641 yards and two touchdowns on 151 carries. Forsett suffered a broken arm that ended his season in November, and he's at an age when running backs generally begin declining—if they haven't already. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry last year, 1.2 yards fewer than in his 2014 Pro Bowl campaign.
Still, the move was unexpected since Baltimore doesn't have a lot of depth at running back. Terrance West and Javorius Allen have a combined three years of NFL experience. West ran for 904 yards and four touchdowns in his first two seasons, while Allen rushed for 514 yards and one touchdown as a rookie.
Football Outsiders' Cian Fahey struggled to make sense of it all:
Yahoo Sports' Brad Evans doesn't think West or Allen is a long-term replacement for Forsett:
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted on Sunday that fans shouldn't be surprised if the Ravens re-sign the veteran.
The Baltimore Sun's Mike Preston reported last month Kenneth Dixon could miss four to six weeks after suffering a torn MCL. Depending on how West and Allen are performing, the starting job could be Dixon's to lose when he returns.
Forsett, meanwhile, could still hold some value for another team. Pro Football Talk immediately threw one potential landing spot out for the ninth-year back:
A repeat of his 2014 season is unlikely for Forsett, given his age. But he could still be a contributor in a reserve role. He's also a relatively steady pass-catcher, registering 31 receptions for 153 yards a year ago.
Since teams are finalizing their rosters ahead of Week 1, Forsett may have to wait before he gets another chance in the NFL. As the regular season wears on, plenty of options should present themselves if he wants to continue his NFL career.