The Baltimore Ravens have hope for the 2023 season after what started out as a tense offseason.
The Lamar Jackson contract dispute dominated the spring, as it looked like he had one foot out the door after the team used their non-exclusive franchise tag on him.
Luckily for Baltimore, they caved in and gave Jackson a humongous five-year, $260 million contract, which is the largest in the NFL.
Later, they brought in wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., a former three-time Pro Bowler, further boosting the optimism around the team.
But now, there is a new issue — running back J.K. Dobbins is not practicing during Baltimore’s mandatory minicamp because he is reportedly frustrated about his contract situation, as noted by Dov Kleiman.
Update: #Ravens RB JK Dobbins is “holding in” during team mandatory minicamp, per @MarkWJZ
Dobbins said he’s not practicing because he wants a new contract. pic.twitter.com/UpZeKlL4KM
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 15, 2023
Dobbins, 24, missed all of the 2021 campaign and some of last season with a torn ACL, but when he has been healthy since entering the league in 2020, he has been effective.
He may not receive as many touches as the league’s elite running backs, but he has been one of the leaders in yards per rush attempts with 5.9 so far in his career.
The Ravens were second in rushing yards but 20th in rushing touchdowns last season, and they will certainly need Dobbins if they are to make the playoffs again.
The NFC North will be very competitive, with the Cleveland Browns poised to take a big step forward and the Cincinnati Bengals sporting an improved offensive line.
Baltimore will certainly need all the firepower they can get in order to be very competitive this fall and winter.
NEXT:
John Harbaugh Has A Clear Message For Ravens Before Training Camp Begins