2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
By: Matt Harmon
High-end starters:
None
Good starters
1) Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos. Age: 27 *signed with Dolphins*
2) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars. Age: 29 *signed with Raiders*
Solid Contributors
1) Joqiue Bell, Detroit Lions. Age: 28 (RFA) *re-signed with Lions*
2) Donald Brown, Indianaplois Colts. Age: 27 *signed with Chargers*
3) Rashad Jennings, Oakland Raiders. Age: 29 *signed with Giants*
4) Ben Tate, Houston Texans. Age: 26 *signed with Browns*
5) Toby Gerhart, Minesotta Vikings. Age: 27 *signed with Jaguars*
Role players
1) Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans. Age: 28
2) Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders. Age: 27 *re-signed with Raiders*
3) LaGerrette Blount, New England Patriots. Age: 27 *signed with Steelers*
4) Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts. Age: 28 *re-signed with Colts*
5) Andre Brown, New York Giants. Age: 27 *signed with the Texans*
6) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona Cardinals. Age: 27 *announced retirement*
7) Brian Leonard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Age: 30
8) James Starks, Green Bay Packers. Age: 28 *re-signed with Packers*
9) Jonathan Dwyer, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 25 *signed with Cardinals*
10) Ronnie Brown, San Diego Chargers. Age: 32
Diamond in the Rough
1) Anthony Dixon, San Fransisco 49ers. Age: 26 *signed with Bills*
2) LaRod Stephens-Howling, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 27
QB--RB--FB--WR--TE--OT--OG--C--Int. DL--Edge Plyr.--LB--CB--S--K/P
High-end starters:
None
Good starters
1) Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos. Age: 27 *signed with Dolphins*
- Knowshon Moreno has experienced a career revival in the Peyton Manning led Broncos offense. The former first round bust is a solid do it all running back. His emergence was vital to the team as it gave them a sustaining rushing attack to pair with Manning. Moreno is unlikely to break the bank, but he could be a good addition to a team in need of a lead back.
2) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars. Age: 29 *signed with Raiders*
- Call this a hunch. MJD had an uninspiring season with the Jaguars, but it was not all his fault. His offensive line was unable to open up holes at all this season. Injuries and personnel moves destroyed a unit that came in as Pro Football Focus’ worst run blocking line. Perhaps the former league rushing titlist can be effective in a new home.
Solid Contributors
1) Joqiue Bell, Detroit Lions. Age: 28 (RFA) *re-signed with Lions*
- Bell’s restricted status is unfortunate. Given how important he was to the Lion’s offense this season, its very likely he gets hit with a high tender. Bell is a big back that is a strong contributor in the passing game. If he were a UFA, he might be the prize of the market. As it stands, he will only switch teams if the Lions foolishly low-ball his tender.
2) Donald Brown, Indianaplois Colts. Age: 27 *signed with Chargers*
- Donald Brown was another first rounder who experienced a surge in 2013. He leapfrogged Trent Richardson on the depth chart, and was a big factor for the Colts down the stretch. Brown has good vision, nice hands, and is shifty in the open field.
3) Rashad Jennings, Oakland Raiders. Age: 29 *signed with Giants*
- Jennings looked worthless in his final season in Jacksonville, but was a nice surprise in Oakland during the 2013 season. He probably should not be viewed as a sure-fire starter, but he can more than hold his own as a committee member.
4) Ben Tate, Houston Texans. Age: 26 *signed with Browns*
- He was supposed to be the prize of the 2013 free agent class, but Tate didn’t exactly leave Houston on an explosive note. He seems to be constantly nursing an injury, and didn’t consistently impress in his time as the starter. Its also questionable if he would be as effective in a non-zone blocking scheme. The Browns are supposedly in love with Tate, but it would be a mistake to overpay.
5) Toby Gerhart, Minesotta Vikings. Age: 27 *signed with Jaguars*
- Gerhart has always been trapped behind Adrian Peterson. A big and powerful runner with plenty of tread still on the tires, Gerhart will at least be intriguing on the open market. He has looked really good in limited snaps. If Gerhart lands a starting job, he might to surprise a lot of people with his effective play.
Role players
1) Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans. Age: 28
- The artist formerly known as CJ2K has fallen off the map since his 2,000 yard season. Chris Johnson is one of the least physical runners in the NFL. He avoids contact, and misses wide open alleys. He can't make people miss anymore, and doesn't have the wiggle to go with his straight line speed. Johnson would be best as a committee player going forward, but some team is bound to overvalue him.
2) Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders. Age: 27 *re-signed with Raiders*
- More injury issues. McFadden has shown dynamic talent in the past, but seems to have fallen off a cliff the past two seasons. Given his long injury, its no surprise his body seems to be failing him. He can still retain some value as a secondary runner on a limited snap count.
3) LaGerrette Blount, New England Patriots. Age: 27 *signed with Steelers*
- He was all the rage after his eye-popping performance in the Patriots first playoff game. However, the way the Broncos stifled him in the AFC Championship game should prove a reminder of what Blount truly is. No one should view him as a lead back.
4) Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts. Age: 28 *re-signed with Colts*
- If Bradshaw can ever return to full health, he can certainly fill a great role with a team. Given his lengthy injury history, it would not be a surprise if he were at the end of the road. Just don’t forget how well he played with the Colts early this season.
5) Andre Brown, New York Giants. Age: 27 *signed with the Texans*
- Andre Brown is another talented runner who has a long injury history. He has been solid and serviceable when pressed into action with the Giants. You cannot really count on him to be available for sixteen games, but he is a solid addition to any backfield.
6) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona Cardinals. Age: 27 *announced retirement*
- He was lambasted by a lot of observers because he kept the more dynamic Andre Ellington on the bench, but Mendenhall still turned in a solid season. There is no need to stubbornly force him as the lead back on your team, but he can be a nice addition. You will find there is still value to be had with Rashard Mendenhall.
7) Brian Leonard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Age: 30
- Falling far short of any wow factor, Brian Leonard has still carved out a nice niche in the league. He is a solid third down back, with good blocking and receiving skills. A fine addition on most teams.
8) James Starks, Green Bay Packers. Age: 28 *re-signed with Packers*
- Starks is a slightly overrated player because of a few inflated stat lines. He is far from dynamic, and doesn’t have great vision. He should be brought on as a change of pace runner, but nothing more.
9) Jonathan Dwyer, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 25 *signed with Cardinals*
- Dwyer has flashed with the Steelers, but has also had his share of dark moments. He is a decent addition on the cheap, but should not be a big part of any team’s plans.
10) Ronnie Brown, San Diego Chargers. Age: 32
- Its amazing Ronnie Brown is still contributing in the NFL. He is likely at the end of the road, but he has shown as a Charger he still has some value. Perhaps there is one more year of limited snaps here.
Diamond in the Rough
1) Anthony Dixon, San Fransisco 49ers. Age: 26 *signed with Bills*
- Anthony Dixon has never risen to prominence with the 49ers. He has played at both halfback and fullback. If he finds himself in a less crowded backfield, you might just hear his name a bit more. At the very least, he could vulture some touchdowns from a superior runner.
2) LaRod Stephens-Howling, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 27
- The diminutive runner looked to be in line for a decent role with the Steelers, but was lost for the season very early on. If Stephens-Howling can return to something close to his pre-injury form, he might be able to help a team. If he still has the speed, he can stick somewhere.
QB--RB--FB--WR--TE--OT--OG--C--Int. DL--Edge Plyr.--LB--CB--S--K/P
Comment Form is loading comments...
