Ravens jumped on signing a player that a division rival parted ways with nearly instantly

The Baltimore Ravens made an interesting roster move yesterday and it is interesting due to where the player came from.

Baltimore took a flier on signing running back John Kelly Jr., who just happened to be released by another AFC North squad. Kelly has been around a few years and adds depth in the preseason for Baltimore.

Yesterday, the Cleveland Browns parted ways with Kelly following their Saturday preseason game that he played in. Kelly carried the ball four times for 19 yards and lost a fumble.

The running back room in Baltimore is pretty packed. Derrick Henry is the leader in the clubhouse and Justice Hill will back him up. Keaton Mitchell, Owen Wright, and Rasheen Ali make up the rest of the depth. Kelly will have a chance to come in and compete for a practice spot and could be a guy that the Ravens look to get to the practice squad.

Speaking of the practice squad, that is where Kelly has been primarily since 2021 with the Browns. You could say he is a practice squad veteran at this point. In the last few seasons, Kelly had played in just five games with the Browns. Prior to his time in Cleveland, Kelly was with the Rams for a pair of seasons where he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft from Tennessee.

There have been quite a few players shuffling across from one AFC North team to another. Kelly may not make the team in Baltimore but the Ravens jumped on him nearly immediately after the Browns cut him. Baltimore clearly liked the player and have a plan for him this preseason.

Related: How to watch and stream Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons NFL preseason game