In simplest terms, Justin Forsett was a pleasant surprise for the Ravens.
Forsett totaled 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns in 2014, after beginning the season in a timeshare with Bernard Pierce and Lorenzo Taliaferro. Emerging as Baltimore's best running back, Forsett quickly made an impression on Ravens fans with his exceptional vision and deceptive power.
Forsett was only signed to a one-year deal and thus will be a free agent when the new league year begins. But in an interview with NFL.com, Forsett said the Ravens have told him they want him back in 2015.
"That is the plan, they gave me my shot, they trusted me and believed in me enough to give me that shot so I'd like to stay," Forsett said.
It's important to note that Forsett had his best season as a running back in Gary Kubiak's offensive system that features a zone-blocking scheme. New offensive coordinator Marc Trestman did say that that he plans on keeping the same zone-blocking principles in place.
If so, and the offensive line is able to continue opening up holes for the running backs, it wouldn't be out of the question for Forsett to have a good two or three more years at a high level. At 29, Forsett has had little wear on his body in the NFL since this was his first year carrying this big of a load.
Forsett by no means is a long-term option given his age. But with the way he progressed through a full 16 games plus the playoffs, he hasn't showed any signs of slowing down yet.