Running back Justin Forsett has repeatedly said he would like to return to the Baltimore Ravens. The pending unrestricted free agent is grateful the Ravens are the first team to give him a shot at being a starter.

But ...

"There’s also a business side of it, where unfortunately I’ve been in the ‘friend zone’ for most of my career," Forsett said as he cleaned out his locker. "Hopefully we can get into a deeper commitment somewhere down the road and get some stability."

In other words, it's going to take more than another one-year, $730,000 deal to keep Forsett. For a journeyman who's played on four teams the past four seasons, he feels like he's earned a more long-term commitment.

Forsett was among the biggest surprises in the NFL this season, finishing No. 5 in the league with 1,266 yards rushing. Becoming the Ravens' featured back after Ray Rice was released, Forsett scored eight touchdowns and led running backs with 5.4 yards per carry.

The Ravens should be considered the favorites to sign Forsett in free agency. It's in their best interest to bring him back given their running back situation, and it likely won't take much to retain him.

Forsett's value will be diminished by his age (he'll turn 30 during next season) and the perception that he's a product of the system. Nine different running backs have enjoyed 1,000-yard rushing seasons under offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak.

Plus, other running backs like DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller will likely command more interest (and money) in free agency than Forsett.

The Ravens will put more value on Forsett because they know he fits what they want to do. He has the patience and vision to produce in Kubiak's stretch zone-blocking scheme.

If the Ravens keep Forsett, they would fill their need at running back, but the expected deal wouldn't preclude them from adding another runner in the draft. The Ravens need to upgrade from disappointing backup Bernard Pierce and continue to get younger at running back. The team would put itself in a great position for 2015 and the future if its backfield consisted of Forsett, Lorenzo Taliaferro and another young running back.

“I would love to be a part of [next year's team]," Forsett said. "This is an organization that first gave me my shot, my first real opportunity, and I would love to stay.”