Todd Gurley Wants To Join Ravens
Todd Gurley still has interest in joining the Ravens, if they’ll have him (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). Gurley, who previously met with the team, could be a solid addition after the loss of running back J.K. Dobbins.
[RELATED: Ravens’ J.K. Dobbins Done For Year]
The Ravens hosted Gurley back in June but left Baltimore without a deal. At the time, he profiled as little more than an RB3 option, behind Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Now, with Dobbins out and Mark Ingram out of the picture, everyone has been shifted one spot up in the pecking order.
Edwards is a solid RB in his own right, but it remains to be seen whether he can carry a full starter’s workload. Gurley could help with some of that, but he hasn’t looked like his old Pro Bowl self in a while. He was held to just 3.5 yards per carry with the Falcons last year while adding 25 catches for 164 yards. His best work, of course, came with the Rams — he was an All-Pro in 2017 and 2018 with a combined 40 touchdowns during that stretch.
Beyond Edwards, the Ravens also have third-year scat-back Justice Hill and 2020 UDFA Ty’Son Williams on hand.
Ravens’ J.K. Dobbins Done For Year
It’s official. On Sunday, an MRI confirmed an ACL tear for Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). The Ravens will place Dobbins on injured reserve this week to free up a roster spot, but they won’t be able to replace his production. 
This was the expected news after Dobbins was forced out of last night’s preseason matchup against Washington. Dobbins was set to play a leading role in the rushing attack along with star quarterback Lamar Jackson. Now, they’ll be leaning even more on Gus Edwards with support from third-year scat-back Justice Hill and 2020 UDFA Ty’Son Williams.
Dobbins, a first-round talent, fell to the Ravens at No. 55 overall last year. He became a central part of the offense in the second half of 2020, finishing out with 134 carries for 805 yards (6.0 ypc), and nine rushing TDs. Edwards is still a solid Plan B (5.2 career ypc), but it remains to be seen whether he can handle a double-digit carry workload.
If the Ravens go out-of-house, they could reconsider Todd Gurley. Gurley, the NFL’s 2017 Offensive Player of the Year, touched base with Baltimore back in June.
J.K. Dobbins Believed To Have Suffered Season-Ending Injury
It is believed that Ravens second-year running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending knee injury during last night’s preseason matchup against Washington, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com adds that an ACL tear is the expected diagnosis. Dobbins is presently undergoing an MRI to confirm (Twitter link).
This is, of course, a devastating blow to Baltimore’s offense. Although the Ravens made several high-profile additions to their WR corps this offseason, their attack was still going to be predicated on a fearsome ground game spearheaded by Dobbins, fellow RB Gus Edwards, and quarterback Lamar Jackson. Now, Edwards suddenly finds himself atop the depth chart, with third-year scat-back Justice Hill and 2020 UDFA Ty’Son Williams — who has played well this preseason — behind him.
Dobbins, a first-round talent whom the Ravens snapped up with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2020 draft, was gradually eased into professional action. He did not receive double-digit rushing attempts in a game until Week 8 last year, but once he became a featured piece of the team’s offense, he was tremendous. He finished the season with 134 carries for 805 yards, good for an excellent 6.0 yards-per-carry average, and he added nine rushing TDs.
It will be next to impossible to replace the production that the Ravens expected to get out of Dobbins this year. Edwards has been a strong performer in his own right, as he boasts a 5.2 YPC average over three years in Baltimore. However, he is not the receiving threat that Dobbins was projected to be, and his success has generally come as a complementary piece, not as a feature back. He is a former UDFA himself, so maybe the Ravens can spin more hay into gold with Williams or 2021 college free agent Nate McCrary.
If the organization looks for external options, Todd Gurley could be a target. Gurley visited the Ravens back in June, and he remains unsigned. Knee injuries have derailed his career, and though he managed to play 15 games in each of the past two seasons, he could not reach the 4.0 YPC threshold in either year. Still, if he were to be deployed as part of a timeshare with Edwards and Hill/Williams/McCrary, he may be more effective.
Speculatively, a player like the Colts’ Marlon Mack could also be an option. Mack suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1 of the 2020 season, but he eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing in 2019 and came close to doing so in 2018, despite playing in only 12 games that year. The injury depressed his market this offseason, and he re-upped with Indy on a one-year, $2MM pact. The Colts, however, have Jonathan Taylor entrenched as their RB1, and they are also rostering Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins. If GM Chris Ballard feels he has enough depth there, perhaps he and Ravens GM Eric DeCosta could swing a deal.
Ravens Trade OL Greg Mancz To Dolphins
The Ravens have made their second trade of the week. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that Baltimore has traded offensive lineman Greg Mancz to the Dolphins for a late-round draft pick. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley clarifies (on Twitter) that Mancz and a seventh-round pick (acquired from the Patriots earlier this week) will head to Miami, with the Dolphins sending the Ravens a sixth-round pick.
[RELATED: Ravens Trade Shaun Wade To Patriots]
Mancz, a former undrafted free agent, spent six years with the Texans, starting 13 of his 28 games. However, the veteran struggled to get on the field during his final two seasons in Houston, combining for only 13 games played. This included a 2020 campaign when he saw time in only four games, with the majority of his snaps coming on special teams.
The 29-year-old joined the Ravens practice squad late last season, and he inked a reserve/futures contract with the team in January. However, as the preseason went on, most pundits dropped the veteran from their roster predictions.
Now, Mancz will have a chance to stick around Miami. The veteran could be useful thanks to his versatility; he’s lined up at center, guard, and right tackle throughout his career. The Dolphins’ offensive line appears to be just about set, but the team could be looking for some reinforcement after second-round rookie Liam Eichenberg suffered an injury during this week’s practice. Adam Beasley of ProFootballNetwork.com speculates that today’s move could also cost veteran Matt Skura his roster spot. The veteran center already found himself behind Michael Deiter on the depth chart, and cutting the 28-year-old could save Miami $1.4MM against the cap.
Ravens Trade Shaun Wade To Patriots
The Ravens have agreed to trade cornerback Shaun Wade to the Patriots for a seventh-round pick in 2022 and a fifth-round pick in 2023 (Twitter links via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). The seventh-rounder is originally a Texans pick, per ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley (on Twitter). The deal will free up space in the Ravens’ secondary while adding a once highly-touted prospect to the Pats’ unit. 
Wade was in the late first-round/early second-round conversation back in 2020. However, he chose to return to Ohio State for one more year. In hindsight, he probably regrets that decision. Wade had a rough season with the Buckeyes, including a disastrous performance in the national championship game. After DeVonta Smith went off for 12/215/3 at his expense, he tumbled all the way to the fifth-round of the 2021 draft.
It’s a low-risk move for the Patriots, who aren’t giving up much to acquire Wade and his modest contract. As the No. 160 overall pick, Wade is set to make less than $3.5MM over the next four years. This season, he’ll make just $660K in base salary with a $739K cap hit.
Wade will provide depth for the Patriots as they await word on Stephon Gilmore‘s status. He remains on the PUP list while also pushing for a better contract.
Ravens Shopping Shaun Wade, Jake Verity
The Ravens are discussing trades involving cornerback Shaun Wade and kicker Jake Verity (Twitter link via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). Given the presence of Justin Tucker, Verity was facing long odds of making the team, so it’s not a shock to hear that he could be traded. Wade, on the other hand, is a 2021 fifth-round pick with promise, so it’s surprising to hear that he could be moved. 
The Ravens might not have much of a choice, given their logjam in the secondary. Wade, an Ohio State product, figures to generate a good amount of interest. He enjoyed three productive seasons with the Buckeyes, including a 2020 campaign where he compiled 34 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defended. That earned him a long list of accolades, including the Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year award. He was also a consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selection.
Had he turned pro in 2020, Wade might have been a first-round pick. However, his stock plummeted after he struggled in the national championship game. That’s when Alabama wideout DeVonta Smith went off for 12 catches, 215 yards, and three touchdowns in the first half. Combined with an underwhelming pro day, Wade was passed up by every team until the Ravens snagged him at No. 160 overall.
Verity, meanwhile, is in the midst of a solid preseason behind Tucker. There are at least a few teams who would prefer him to their current options, so the Ravens could turn the UDFA into a future draft choice.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/24/21
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here. Teams had until 3pm today to cut their rosters down to 80 players.
Atlanta Falcons
- Waived: RB Javian Hawkins, LB Shareef Miller, DL Olive Sagapolu, WR Austin Trammell, OL Willie Wright
- Placed on IR: QB A.J. McCarron (story)
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: QB Kenji Bahar
Buffalo Bills
- Claimed: WR Rico Gafford (from Cardinals), DT Joey Ivie (from Colts)
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: WR Cole Beasley, DT Vernon Butler, WR Gabriel Davis, DT Star Lotulelei
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: K Dominik Eberle
- Waived: S LaDarius Wiley
Cleveland Browns
- Suspended two games: WR Davion Davis; Davis was arrested for DUI in 2019
- Released from IR via injury settlement: K Cody Parkey
Denver Broncos
- Waived: WR Branden Mack, LB Josh Watson
Green Bay Packers
- Placed on IR: S Will Redmond
- Waived: DL Josh Avery
Indianapolis Colts
- Waived/injured: TE Noah Togiai
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Waived: OL Derwin Gray, CB Jameson Houston, DT Kenny Randall
Las Vegas Raiders
- Placed on IR: LB Darron Lee
- Waived: WR Marcell Ateman
- Waived/injured: DL Darius Stills
Los Angeles Chargers
- Waived: LS Ryan Langan, WR Austin Proehl, TE Matt Seybert, OT Kyle Spalding
- Waived/injured: LB Damon Lloyd, DL Chris Okoye
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived: TE Kyle Markway
New England Patriots
- Waived: DB Malik Gant, LS Brian Khoury, LB Cassh Maluia, OL R.J. Prince, WR Devin Ross
- Placed on IR: OL Marcus Martin
New York Giants
- Placed on IR: TE Rysen John, CB Quincy Wilson
- Waived: LS Carson Tinker
- Waived/injured: DB Montre Hartage, TE Cole Hikutini
Philadelphia Eagles
- Released from IR via injury settlement: OT Casey Tucker
Seattle Seahawks
- Waived: DE Alex Tchangam
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: K Ryan Succop
- Waived/injured: OT Chidi Okeke
Tennessee Titans
- Waived: CB Kevin Peterson
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: LB Nick Dzubnar, RB Jeremy McNichols
Washington Football Team
- Waived: CB Jordan Brown, OT Rick Leonard, LB Justin Phillips, DT Justus Reed, C Jon Toth
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/23/21
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here. Teams have until 4pm ET/3pm CT Tuesday to reach the 80-man roster limit.
Arizona Cardinals
- Waived: CB Luq Barcoo (failed physical), TE Ian Bunting, WR Rico Gafford
Baltimore Ravens
Carolina Panthers
- Waived: G Marquel Harrell, WR Krishawn Hogan, DT Walter Palmore
Chicago Bears
- Released from IR via injury settlement: LB Ledarius Mack
Cincinnati Bengals
- Waived: DB Donnie Lewis
Cleveland Browns
- Waived: WR Alexander Hollins, CB Robert Jackson, OT Alex Taylor
- Placed on IR: TE Connor Davis, LB Montrel Meander
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: S Malik Hooker, WR CeeDee Lamb, S Israel Mukuamu, DT Carlos Watkins
Denver Broncos
- Signed: RB Stevie Scott
- Placed on IR: C Brett Jones
- Released: LB Pita Taumoepenu
- Waived: G Nolan Laufenberg
Detroit Lions
- Waived: DT P.J. Johnson, RB Javon Leake, OLB Robert McCray, QB Jordan Ta’amu
- Released: WR Darius Jennings
- Released from IR via injury settlement: OL Evan Boehm
Green Bay Packers
- Waived: TE Daniel Crawford
Houston Texans
- Waived: DT Auzoyah Alufohai, RB Darius Jackson, OL Drake Jackson
Indianapolis Colts
- Waived: DT Joey Ivie, LB Skai Moore, TE Andrew Vollert
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: OT Devery Hamilton
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived: RB Raymond Calais (injured), DB Paris Ford, QB Devlin Hodges
Minnesota Vikings
- Waived: LB Christian Elliss, QB Danny Etling, DT Jordon Scott (waived/injured)
New York Jets
- Placed on IR: DE Carl Lawson (story)
- Signed: DE Aaron Adeoye, OL Isaiah Williams
- Waived: CB Corey Ballentine
Philadelphia Eagles
- Waived: WR Jhamon Ausbon, WR Hakeem Butler, C Harry Crider, S Lavert Hill
Seattle Seahawks
- Placed on IR: WR John Ursua
- Waived: DT Cedrick Lattimore, QB Alex McGough
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OT Jonathan Hubbard
- Released from IR via injury settlement: Sam Renner
Tennessee Titans
- Claimed (from Bengals): DL Freedom Akinmoladun
- Waived/injured: OL Paul Adams, K Tucker McCann, G Ross Reynolds
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: DT Anthony Rush
Ravens Release T Andre Smith, S Jordan Richards
Two experienced players comprised part of the Ravens’ second wave of cuts Monday. The team released both tackle Andre Smith and safety Jordan Richards. Baltimore also waived wide receiver Michael Dereus. Teams have until 3pm CT Tuesday to trim their rosters from 85 to 80 players.
Smith had been with the Ravens since before their 2019 postseason began. Baltimore signed the former top-10 pick in January 2020 and re-signed him shortly after that season ended. However, Smith opted out of the 2020 season. The 34-year-old blocker is back in free agency, which has been a familiar place for him in the latter part of his career.
Smith’s initial Bengals run ended after the 2015 season. The team, however, did bring Smith back in 2017 and 2018 — following single- and half-season stints with the Vikings and Cardinals, respectively — and used him as a five-game starter in 2019. Cincinnati’s most recent Smith partnership ended with a November 2019 release.
The veteran tackle has started 98 career games, but the Ravens have 2020 third-round pick Tyre Phillips behind starters Ronnie Stanley and Alejandro Villanueva. Baltimore also rosters Ja’Wuan James, though he is not expected to be healthy for months after tearing his Achilles this offseason.
A six-year veteran, Richards played in all 18 Ravens games last season. His primary contributions came on special teams; the Ravens used Richards on 79% of their special teams plays. Richards, 28, re-signed with the Ravens in January. He initially caught on with Baltimore midway through the 2019 season, after his second Patriots stint ended.
Ravens LB L.J. Fort Out For Season
11:25am: Fort did indeed tear his ACL, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (via Twitter). It is, of course, a season-ending injury, but as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, it was a clean tear and Fort sustained no other damage. As such, he should be ready to go come Week 1 of the 2022 season.
08:57am: The Ravens fear that linebacker L.J. Fort suffered a torn ACL in last night’s preseason contest against the Panthers, as Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic tweets. Fort, who was signed early in the 2019 season to stabilize an LB corps that had struggled over the first few weeks of that campaign, had become a key piece of Baltimore’s defense and a valuable ST contributor.
In fact, the Ravens were so impressed with his performance that they handed him a two-year, $5.5MM extension a little over a month after they first plucked him off the street. In his 26 games (16 starts) in Baltimore, the 31-year-old has compiled 53 tackles (six TFL), two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one defensive TD. His versatility and IQ are particularly valuable on defensive coordinator Wink Martindale‘s varied and complex attack.
Fort will undergo an MRI in short order, but head coach John Harbaugh offered a bleak assessment of the situation. “It does not look good,” Harbaugh said (Twitter link via Ryan Mink of the team’s official website).
The injury could open the door to more playing time for Kristian Welch, a 2020 UDFA who played almost exclusively on special teams last season. 2020 third-rounder Malik Harrison, who has played well this summer, was already expected to have a significant role alongside fellow second-year pro Patrick Queen, but his snap count could increase as well.
Baltimore could also be on the lookout for more experienced depth in the coming weeks.