Top 5 Free Agent Running Backs and Where They’ll Land
Le’Veon Bell
Running backs have been less of a focus in today’s NFL. Even with the league becoming more pass-friendly, the top teams prove that the run game is equally as important. Who could be the top free agent running back to turn around their next team:
Latavius Murray – Minnesota Vikings
Most Likely: Minnesota Vikings
Outside Chance: Buffalo Bills
While Murray wasn’t the leading rusher for the Minnesota Vikings, his 6 touchdowns powered the rushing attack. With the balanced offense in Minnesota, it would be hard for the Vikings to let that kind of production walk. He might not be an every-down back but teams like the Bills might try to lure him to another split carry situation. There were minor rumors of Buffalo moving on from the often injured LeSean McCoy so the team may throw their name into the hat.
Le’Veon Bell – Pittsburg Steelers
Most Likely: Indianapolis Colts
Outside Chance: Miami Dolphins
Bell will finally hit free agency this offseason where the market for a league-leading back is expected to be hot. The Colts have some money to burn and will be looking for a playmaker to keep pace in the AFC. With a lead back like Bell and a re-emerging Andrew Luck, the Colts could trend towards the top of the power rankings. There have been rumors of Bell’s interest in playing for the Miami Dolphins, but with the team finally, in full rebuild mode, there’s little chance they spend big.
C.J. Anderson – Los Angeles Rams
Most Likely: Buffalo Bills
Outside Chance: Los Angeles Rams
Anderson has done his fair share of bouncing around the NFL. However, with his recent stint with the LA Rams, his offseason value has trended upward. Again, the Buffalo Bills might try and make a splash in free agency focusing on the run game and offensive line. By securing those positions in free agency it will allow them to turn their attention to young receivers and defenders in the draft. Then again, Anderson has been a nice change of pace to allow Todd Gurley to rest and could be an outside chance he returns to LA if there’s no rush for his services.
T.J. Yeldon – Jacksonville Jaguars
Most Likely: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Outside Chance: Oakland Raiders
Since coming into the league, Tj Yeldon has been trending downward. But then again, so have the Jacksonville Jaguars year after year. With the stable of running backs the jags currently employee, a fresh start for the young rusher could revitalize his career. Tampa Bay was closer to the bottom of the league in rushing this season despite their offense being towards the top in YPG. Look for the Bucs to try and find a more balanced attack this offseason. While the Raiders might focus the majority of their draft on defense, kicking the tires on Anderson late in the season might have shown their willingness to look towards running back as well. Yeldon could be the young back with experience they turn to.
LeGarrett Blount – Detroit Lions
Most Likely: Philadelphia Eagles
Outside Chance: Pittsburgh Steelers
While Blount is approaching his mid 30’s, the market for a proven back is going to be hot this offseason. Blount has consistently jumped in and made a difference on teams who would go on to a Super Bowl run. Teams like the Eagles and Steelers who’s run games struggled this season might be looking to bring back the veteran to balance their ground attack. With Ajayi being a free agent this offseason and often hurt, the Eagles might be the best bet. However, don’t count out the Steelers who had success with James Connor last season, but are losing their veteran touch in Le’Veon Bell who never returned to the team this year.
First day of free agency is a little over a month away, where will these stars land? Follow @Coach_Rick12 to find out:
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.
