In an ever-changing league, it didn’t take long for the tables to miraculously turn in Baltimore.
Much was made of the Ravens’ depth chart after three of their ball carriers suffered season-ending injuries before the 2021 campaign even kicked off. General manager Eric DeCosta went on to acquire a trio of incumbent veterans to fill out the depth chart behind the unknown Ty’Son Williams.
According to multiple reports, teams around the league are now inquiring about completing a trade for one of Baltimore’s running backs, which serves as a metaphorical tip-of-the-cap to the job done by DeCosta to fill out his depth chart after disaster struck. There’s no shortage of talent at the position, and Williams would likely be the back to garner the most attention on the market, given his age in comparison to the likes of Latavius Murray, Le’Veon Bell, and DeVonta Freeman. Williams currently serves as Baltimore’s second-leading rusher behind the ever-dangerous Lamar Jackson, having accumulated an impressive 164 rushing yards on just 27 carries (good for 6.1 yards per carry). Despite Williams’ impressive displays, the Ravens have preferred to lean on the veteran Murray, who leads the team in carries heading into Monday night’s showdown against the Indianapolis Colts with 44.
All signs point to Baltimore being willing to entertain a trade for Williams, at the right price. Here are three teams that should light up DeCosta’s phone in regards to Williams’ availability.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Seattle should be looking for more help in the run game as they prepare for life without Russell Wilson over the next month and a half. The Seahawks will undoubtedly ask their ball-carriers to shoulder the load in Wilson’s absence as they desperately attempt to remain afloat in the ultra-competitive NFC West. When factoring in the injury to bellcow Chris Carson, who missed their Week 5 loss against the Los Angeles Rams with a neck injury, this destination makes as much sense as any around the league.
The Seahawks are currently fielding a pedestrian rushing attack at best, averaging just 104 yards per game on the ground. Given the multiple injury concerns all over their offense right now, acquiring a player like Williams would make a lot of sense.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
General manager Scott Fitterer continues to prove that he’s all in on the Panthers earning their first playoff berth since the 2017 campaign. After trading for a pair of cornerbacks in Stephon Gilmore and C.J. Henderson over the past two weeks, Fitterer reportedly attempted to sign free-agent linebacker Jaylon Smith following his departure from the Dallas Cowboys. Smith ultimately opted to sign with the Green Bay Packers instead, but Fitterer’s hunger for in-season improvement has been well documented over the past fortnight.
Perhaps it’s time for Fitterer to now turn his attention to a struggling offense that’s managed to score just 23 points per game in back-to-back losses. With the quarterback play of Sam Darnold rapidly declining and superstar running back Christian McCaffrey still recovering from an injury, Williams could provide an immediate boost to this backfield.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Saints recently placed backup running back Tony Jones Jr. on injured reserve and proceeded to work out a slew of veteran ball-carriers including Lamar Miller and Duke Johnson. Furthermore, the Saints are clearly uncomfortable with their depth at the position, seeing that workhorse Alvin Kamara was their lone running back to touch the football in Sunday’s 33-22 win over the Washington Football Team.
New Orleans would be wise to find a way to manage Kamara’s workload in Jones’ absence. With their passing offense being inconsistent, finding quality depth at the running back position is going to be of the utmost importance for general manager Mickey Loomis over the next few weeks. Williams could immediately come in and spell Kamara while Jones gets healthy.
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