The NFL Free Agency Preview: Running Backs
March 4, 2015
The talent on the market this year at the running back position is becoming extremely impressive. One thing is for sure; taking all of them and picking the best five is tough.
- Demarco Murray– This was an easy choice. Murray, 27, is coming off a career year with the Dallas Cowboys. He had 392 carries and produced 1,845 yards out of that. Only 21 people in NFL history have rushed for over 1,800 yards (most recently was Adrian Peterson in 2012, rushing for 2,097 yards with the Minnesota Vikings). Murray will be looking for a lot of money, and assuming his numbers will go down as he transitions to a different team, he may end up being overpaid. Nevertheless their is no team in the NFL in need of a running back who can look past Murray. Murray would definitely be a nice fit for the Indianapolis Colts. He would be unstoppable playing alongside quarterback Andrew Luck and the rest of that tough Colts’ defense. Another possibility for Murray could be the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has struggled a lot over the past few seasons and getting a player like Murray could be a game change.
Courtesy of Mitchell Layton and Getty Images North America
Demarco Murray - Justin Forsett– Forsett took over for Ray Rice in the beginning of the season. After Rice’s suspension the Baltimore Ravens were forced to really explore their options at the running back position. Little did they know that one of their options (Forsett) would turn out to play at a level which would earn him a spot on Team Carter in the 2015 Pro Bowl. The Ravens will likely re-sign Forsett, who rushed for 1,266 yards and 8 touchdowns in 235 attempts while fumbling only once. If for some reason the Ravens were to not re-sign Forsett, the 29 year old will be looked at by plenty of teams.
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Justin Forsett - Mark Ingram– At the age of 25 coming off a 964 yard season with 9 touchdowns, Ingram will be appealing to a lot of teams across the NFL. Could it be that Ingram won’t even need to look farther than inside his own division? The Atlanta Falcons are due to lose Steven Jackson and his backup Jacquizz Rodgers, leaving 22 year old Devonta Freeman as the only running back on the active roster. The Falcons may also be looking to “youngify” their team, and Ingram could be a good first step. If not the Falcons, the Carolina Panthers could be interested in Ingram to help improve their already young offense.
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Mark Ingram - Frank Gore– Gore is 32 years old and coming off of his fourth straight season in which he had 1,100 yards or more. Something he has done in 8 out of his 10 seasons in the NFL. However, the 49ers got a bit of production from their rookie running back Carlos Hyde and they may be in the market for another veteran to mentor Hyde. It is very possible that Gore and the 49ers may reach an agreement, Gore, of course, has played his whole career in San Francisco, and the fans would hate to see him go. However, if the two sides fail to reach an agreement, the Indianapolis Colts could be in the market for a running back, and a veteran like Gore could be a good guy to bring in. Gore could also wind up back in his hometown of Miami with the Dolphins, playing alongside young running back Lamar Miller.
Courtesy of Don Feria and Getty Images North America
Frank Gore - Ray Rice– With all of his off-the-field issues aside, Rice was one of the best running backs in the NFL. He dealt with a bit of an injury, which slowed down his production in 2013; however, he still managed to play 15 games, and 16 games in four of his six NFL seasons. The problem with Rice is that he has been off the field for a year and missed the whole season due to legal issues. Its risky to take a guy who hasn’t played in as long as he has, but a guy with Rice’s talent could be high reward. It wouldn’t be surprising if multiple teams in the NFL were interested in Rice. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on November 30th that Rice had been drawing interest from the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. Rice would certainly be a good fit in Indianapolis, but Indianapolis is interested in a couple of running backs, so them being interested in Rice may not mean much.
Courtesy of Leon Halip and Getty Images North America
Ray Rice
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