The Baltimore Ravens have high hopes for the 2023 season after what started out as a tense offseason.
Lamar Jackson contract disputes dominated the spring, as it looked like he had one foot out the door after the team used its non-exclusive franchise tag on him.
Luckily for Baltimore, they bowed out and signed Jackson to a massive five-year, $260 million contract, the largest in the NFL.
Later, they brought in wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., a former three-time Pro Bowler, which added to the optimism around the team.
But now, there’s a new issue — running back JK Dobbins hasn’t been practicing during Baltimore’s mandatory minicamp because he’s reportedly frustrated about the status of his contract, as reported by Dov Kleiman.
Updates: #crows RB JK Dobbins Is “Holding In” During Team Mandatory Minicamp, Per @MarkWJZ
Dobbins said he is 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 part of last season with a torn ACL, but has been effective when he has stayed healthy since entering the league in 2020.
He may not have gotten as many touches as the league’s elite running backs, but he has been leading the way 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 want to make the playoffs again.
The NFC North will be very competitive, with the Cleveland Browns ready to take a big step forward and the Cincinnati Bengals sporting a superior offensive line.
Baltimore will certainly need all the firepower it needs to be very competitive this fall and winter.
next:
John Harbaugh Has A Clear Message For The Crows Before Training Camp Begins