Monday, September 5, 2016

Justin Forsett Re-Signs with Ravens: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Veteran running back Justin Forsett is re-signing with the Baltimore Ravens after the two sides agreed to terms on a new deal following his release. 

The team announced the signing after Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com originally reported the move on Monday.

Forsett also took to Twitter to confirm his return to the Ravens:

Prior to Rapoport's confirmation, Forsett hinted on Twitter it wasn't quite a done deal yet:

It's hardly stunning that Forsett is going back to the Ravens after the team released him to trim its final roster down to 53 players. 

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reported after Forsett's release was announced that there was at least a chance for a reunion between the two sides. 

La Canfora noted that Forsett's vested veteran contract would have become fully guaranteed if he were on the roster in Week 1, and if he were still available in eight days, the Ravens could re-sign him.

Forsett has spent the last two seasons as the Ravens' starting running back. He had his best year in 2014 with 1,266 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, but he was only able to start 10 games last season after suffering a broken arm in November. 

Forsett did seem puzzled by his release, tweeting:

It was stunning simply because the Ravens didn't have an obvious replacement on the roster. Lorenzo Taliaferro was placed on the physically unable to perform list, keeping him out for the first six weeks of the regular season, and Javorius Allen was not exceptional with 3.8 yards per carry in his rookie campaign last year. 

The Ravens did draft Kenneth Dixon in the fourth round, making him a possibility as the team's starter if it wants to go with the young legs. 

Given the lack of depth for the Ravens at the position right now, Forsett's return makes sense. He knows the system as well as any running back they could possibly acquire and has had success in it. 

Despite the premature end to his 2015 season, Forsett was not playing badly when he got injured. He had 641 yards and two touchdowns on 151 carries. 

John Breitenbach of Pro Football Focus did note that Forsett has "always been more effective on the ground, recording a 76.6 grade in that facet of play in 2015. In contrast, Forsett is less effective in space. Last season, he managed only a 48.9 grade in the passing game, averaging just 4.9 yards per catch."

The ability to play all three downs and be part of the passing game is essential for any running back, especially with the NFL being so reliant on quarterbacks.  

Forsett lacks the dynamic impact of a top-tier running back, but even at 30 years old, he remains an effective and efficient player who is capable of shouldering the starting load or serving as a change of pace to give the starter a breather. 

Read more Baltimore Ravens news on BleacherReport.com



from Bleacher Report - Baltimore Ravens http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2661638-justin-forsett-re-signs-with-ravens-latest-contract-details-comments-reaction

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