Getty Gallery: 4/5
Baltimore Ravens
When I was running through a list of potential teams for Bell, there were a few that jumped out. Some likely didn't have the salary cap space or had other names in place who make more sense financially for their current situation. But when I landed on the Baltimore Ravens, there was interest for an obvious reason.
The Ravens offense hasn't exactly lived up to the billing as of late, and if they could inject some life into the ground game, it'd go a long way. Oh, and the idea of Bell facing the Steelers twice a year for the foreseeable future? It's almost like an added bonus for a Ravens team who'd immediately make life tougher for their biggest rival.
All of that is fun to talk about, but what matters more is the actual running back situation. Or, after this year, technically we can call it a running back search.
Current running backs Javorius Allen, Ty Montgomery and Alex Collins (RFA) all set to be free agents in 2019. It's eye-opening that they're slated to lose this many options in their backfield in one offseason. There's a chance they could keep Collins or re-sign one of the others, of course, but through the first half of the 2018 season, the Ravens run game has been far below average.
After their first nine games of the season, Baltimore ranked No. 27 in the league with 92.7 rushing yards per game. Whether it's Joe Flacco or Lamar Jackson under center in 2019 and beyond, the Ravens need to add a running back capable of providing a punch offensively. Bell is the definition of that and he'd be an ideal fit.
As far as the money side goes, the Ravens have a bit more than $35.4 million in cap space, per Spotrac. So their available money isn't even close to the other previous names on this list. With that said, Baltimore does have 44 current players under contract through 2019. And with a quarterback on a rookie deal, that would mean the team wouldn't have to fork over a huge deal to Jackson (if he earns it) for a few seasons.
*Note: All salary cap information courtesy of Spotrac.
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Raiders, Colts Among Best Free Agency Fits for Le’Veon Bell