The Ravens have been idle to date in terms of making additions on the open market, but a familiar face in their backfield will remain in place. Baltimore is re-signing running back Justice Hill, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). 
This new pact will see the 25-year-old earn $4.5MM over two years. The contract has a maximum value of $5MM, marking a notable investment given Hill’s location in the Ravens’ running back pecking order. Baltimore already has J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards as their top options at the position, and quarterback Lamar Jackson has represented another key element of their rushing attack during his time in Charm City.
As a result, Hill has only received 119 carries in three seasons. Part of that total is owing to the Achilles tear which kept him sidelined for the 2021 campaign, one in which Dobbins and Edwards both missed the season in full as well. At least one of the latter two were unavailable for much of 2022, but Hill was able to play in 15 contests. He recorded 262 scoreless yards on the ground (at an average of 5.3 per carry), adding 12 catches for 58 yards.
While the Oklahoma State product’s tenure has been limited in terms of opportunities on offense, he also has experience on special teams. Hill returned kicks as a rookie, then did so again in 2022 after wideout Devin Duvernay was lost for the season due to injury. The latter has been floated as a potential trade candidate given his inflated cap number on the final year of his rookie contract and the team’s tight financial situation. Should Duvernay be moved, Hill could be in line to handle return duties full-time.
Edwards recently agreed to lower his 2023 compensation in a move which ensures that he will remain in the fold for the coming season. With Dobbins still on his rookie contract and Hill now on the books, the Ravens will have continuity in the backfield for at least one more season as they look to continue their strong ground attack under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
He is still just 25 yrs old and a former 4th round rounder. If not him as your 3rd down back, then it would be a rookie UDFA since Ravens only have 5 picks in the draft (…well, 6 once we trade Lamar…)