Former Baltimore Ravens RB Among Best Free Agents Remaining

The NFL offseason is a critical time for teams to improve their rosters and make the necessary moves to contend for championships in the upcoming season. For the Baltimore Ravens, who have been consistently competitive, the offseason represents an opportunity to bolster their lineup and fine-tune areas of need. One position that has garnered attention in the free agency market is running back, with many teams looking to add depth and talent to their backfields.

Among the best free agents remaining is a former Baltimore Ravens running back, a player who has left an indelible mark on the franchise during his tenure. Mark Ingram II, a veteran running back who spent several successful years in Baltimore, is still available on the open market. Despite being released by the Ravens after the 2021 season, Ingram’s skill set, leadership, and experience make him one of the most attractive free agents still available to teams in need of a solid and reliable back.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into Mark Ingram’s career, what made him such an impactful player for the Ravens, and why he remains one of the best free agents still looking for a new home. Additionally, we’ll look at how he could fit into various NFL teams’ plans, particularly those looking to improve their running game or add a veteran presence to their roster.

Mark Ingram’s Career and Impact with the Ravens

Before we explore Ingram’s potential fit with other NFL teams, it’s important to reflect on his career, particularly his time with the Baltimore Ravens, which remains a significant chapter in his long and productive career.

Ingram’s journey to the NFL began at the University of Alabama, where he became one of the most dynamic and highly touted running backs in the country. After winning the Heisman Trophy in 2009, Ingram was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Over the course of his career, Ingram was known for his versatility as a runner, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and his leadership qualities.

Ingram spent a majority of his career with the Saints, where he enjoyed immense success as part of one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. He was a key piece in the Saints’ backfield and helped them reach the playoffs several times. However, it was after Ingram signed with the Ravens ahead of the 2019 season that he really found a perfect fit in terms of both his playing style and his ability to contribute at a high level.

During his time with the Ravens, Ingram played a pivotal role in one of the NFL’s most dynamic rushing attacks, which was led by Lamar Jackson. Ingram, alongside other running backs like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, helped the Ravens become the NFL’s top rushing team in 2019 and 2020. Ingram brought experience, leadership, and a toughness to the Ravens’ backfield that helped to balance out their run-heavy offensive scheme.

In 2019, Ingram earned Pro Bowl honors after rushing for over 1,000 yards and adding 10 touchdowns in his first year with the Ravens. His powerful, downhill running style paired well with Jackson’s agility and vision as a runner, and Ingram’s leadership was invaluable in helping a relatively young and dynamic Ravens team make a deep playoff run. His ability to take on tough yards between the tackles, as well as his vision to hit holes in the Ravens’ zone-blocking scheme, made him an ideal fit in Baltimore’s offensive system.

However, Ingram’s time with the Ravens came to an end after the 2020 season, when J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards emerged as the team’s future at running back. Ingram was released in 2021 after the Ravens shifted their focus to their younger backs. Despite his departure from Baltimore, Ingram’s influence and impact on the team were felt for years, and his place in Ravens history is cemented.

What Mark Ingram Brings to the Table

Even though Mark Ingram was released by the Ravens, he is still considered one of the top available free agents due to his skill set and the experience he brings to the table. At his best, Ingram is a versatile, all-around back who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. Let’s break down what makes Ingram such a valuable free agent despite being in the twilight years of his career.

1. Physical Running Style

Ingram is known for his power running and his ability to pick up tough yards between the tackles. Despite his age (he’s currently 35 years old), Ingram has maintained his ability to deliver a punishing blow to defenders and gain hard-fought yards. He has a rare combination of power and balance, which allows him to push piles and break tackles. He isn’t a burner by any means, but Ingram knows how to maximize his physical tools and gain consistent yardage, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

This makes Ingram an attractive option for teams looking for a physical, downhill back who can complement a younger, faster backfield. His vision and ability to read blocking schemes allow him to find gaps and run with authority. Whether it’s picking up tough yards on first or second down or converting crucial third-and-short situations, Ingram still has the ability to contribute to a team’s running game.

2. Leadership and Experience

Ingram’s veteran presence is an invaluable asset for any team, especially one with a young running back room or a developing offense. During his career, Ingram has been part of several successful organizations and has consistently been a key leader both in the locker room and on the field. His time with the Saints and Ravens has allowed him to gain a wealth of experience, including leading by example in high-pressure situations.

Younger players often look to veteran backs like Ingram for guidance, and his ability to mentor younger running backs—whether it’s teaching them how to read defenses, develop a running style, or prepare mentally for each game—is something that has set him apart from other free agents on the market.

3. Versatility in the Passing Game

While Ingram is known primarily for his rushing ability, he also brings valuable skills as a pass catcher. Over the years, Ingram has proven himself to be a reliable target in the passing game. While not as explosive in the open field as some younger backs, Ingram is a capable receiver out of the backfield. He has caught over 300 passes in his career, making him a solid option on screens, checkdowns, and swing passes.

For teams looking to run an offensive scheme that involves spreading the field and utilizing running backs in the passing game, Ingram could be an excellent addition. His ability to catch passes and create yardage after the catch makes him a well-rounded weapon.

Where Could Mark Ingram Land?

While Ingram has been a consistent and productive back throughout his career, his age and limited explosiveness may have caused some teams to hesitate in signing him as a primary back. However, there are still several teams in need of a veteran presence or a complementary running back who could benefit from his skill set. Here are a few teams that could be interested in adding Ingram to their backfield:

1. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the NFL’s most potent offenses, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, their running back situation has been somewhat inconsistent over the years. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has shown flashes of potential, but his production has been inconsistent, and the team could benefit from adding a reliable veteran presence to their backfield. Ingram would provide the Chiefs with a tough, physical runner who could complement their dynamic passing attack and fill in as a short-yardage back when needed.

2. Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the NFL’s brightest young running backs in Austin Ekeler, who has become an explosive weapon in both the rushing and passing games. However, the Chargers could benefit from adding a more physical back to complement Ekeler, especially in goal-line and short-yardage situations. Ingram’s ability to pick up tough yards between the tackles would be an asset to the Chargers’ offensive scheme, and he could provide the team with the depth they need in the backfield.

3. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have invested in their offensive line over the past few seasons, and they have a talented young back in Myles Gaskin. However, the Dolphins could use a veteran presence like Ingram to add depth to their backfield. Ingram could take on a leadership role while also contributing as a complementary back to Gaskin, giving the Dolphins more balance in their running game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield would also fit well with the Dolphins’ spread offense.

4. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL in Kyler Murray, but their running back group has lacked consistency in recent years. Ingram could provide the Cardinals with a reliable veteran who can handle the ball on short-yardage situations and also contribute in the passing game. With James Conner already in place as the primary back, Ingram could be an ideal complement to the Cardinals’ offense, adding another dimension to their ground game.

A Strong Option for Teams in Need of Depth

While Mark Ingram may not be the explosive back he was earlier in his career, he is still a valuable asset in the right system. His physical running style, leadership, and versatility make him one of the best remaining free agents in the market. For teams looking to add depth to their backfield, improve their leadership, or find a reliable veteran who can contribute in key situations, Ingram is an excellent option.

It’s still unclear which team will sign him, but it’s likely that one or more teams will take a chance on the former Ravens running back. Whether as a primary contributor or a complementary piece, Ingram’s experience, toughness, and leadership make him a free agent worth considering. The next chapter of his career could very well include another team looking to make a playoff push with the help of a savvy veteran like Ingram.