Ravens and Melvin Gordon agree to one-year deal: Why Baltimore added veteran RB

Baltimore announced Friday that the Ravens and free agent successor Melvin Gordon have agreed in principle to a one-year deal. Here’s what you need to know:

• A two-time Pro Bowler is entering his ninth season in the NFL after spending the last two seasons with the Broncos.
• Gordon, 30, played 10 games with Denver last season before he was released. He then signed with the Chiefs’ practice squad but did not appear in any games.

the athleteInstant Analysis:

The addition of the veteran RB felt like a necessity

Prior to Gordon’s convention, the Ravens’ backroom consisted of JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and rookies Keton Mitchell and Owen Wright.

Dobbins has missed 26 games over the past two seasons and suffered a major knee injury in pre-season 2021. He’s also in the final year of his rookie deal and it’s no secret that he’s unhappy with his current contract situation. Edwards has missed 25 games over the past two years and also suffered a severe knee injury in 2021. With his knee still having problems, Edwards did not participate in the team’s offseason practices. Hill is healthy, but he’s been more of a special teams contributor in his career than an insult. Gordon, meanwhile, gives the Ravens more depth and experience in the running back room. – Zrebek

Gordon has yet to make the team

The fact that Gordon deal It is said to be worth up to $3.1 million It should not be interpreted as a sign that the Ravens view the veteran as a big piece in their backyard puzzle this year. That’s definitely how it could happen, but as of now, Gordon is a signature deep.

Much of his contract will be linked to incentives and Gordon will still have to prove to the team’s decision makers that he belongs in the 53-man roster. If Dobbins, Edwards and Hill are all healthy or if Mitchell, who had a prolific college career at East Carolina, stands out this summer, there are no guarantees that Gordon is even on the team’s roster in early September. – Zrebek

background story

The San Diego Chargers drafted Gordon with the 15th pick in the 2015 draft. His best year came in 2017 when he recorded a career high 1,105 yards.

Denver signed Gordon to a two-year, $16 million contract in 2020 before re-signing him to a one-year contract prior to the 2022 season. Last season, he rushed for 318 yards, caught 25 passes and had five fumbles in 10 games with the Broncos, who released him after their Week 11 game against the Raiders.

Gordon rushed for 6,462 yards and 55 touchdowns and caught 309 passes with 14 touchdowns during his career.

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(Photo: Isaiah J. Downing/USA Today)