As we begin
to close out the second week of free agency, the offensive environment seems to
already have been picked clean. However, amassing depth with sound value will
be the driving factor for some teams in the coming weeks. Some players may
choose to wait for their phone to ring anticipating the market will transition
after the NFL Draft. Some talents still reside on this list, and we won’t be
surprised to see them pilfered in the near future.
Free Agent Running Backs
#1) TJ Yeldon
This is
perhaps one of the most surprising players to remain on the open market given
his age and skillset. Yeldon is only 25 years old and has proven to be a
capable playmaker when given the opportunity. While it’s understood that Yeldon
is a change of pace back with good upside in the pass game, we feel many teams
could exploit his ability.
There is no
question that Yeldon will surface somewhere before the season begins, but it’s
possible he’s pricing himself a little too high for teams to gain interest.
Teams like the Eagles and the Panthers scream out to us as possible landing
spots.
#2) Michael Crabtree
At age 31 and
entering his 11th NFL season, Michael Crabtree has most definitely
seen better days. After putting up an uneven season with the Ravens, Crabtree
was viewed as expendable with Lamar Jackson and a run heavy offensive approach
looming for 2019.
While we
feel Crabtree could still bring some level of value to a team, his price point
on securing a new contract will undoubtedly be the guiding factor to why he
still remains on the open market. Once he realizes his new net-worth, teams
will surly bring him to the fold. Perhaps the Kansas City Chiefs will show
appeal, if and when the Tyreek Hill domestic situation reaches a conclusion. We
wouldn’t count out the New England Patriots as potential suitors also.
#3) Jay Ajayi
Coming off
his torn ACL injury, the Eagles have chosen to move in another direction
leaving Jay Ajayi to find a new place to call home. We aren’t overly excited
about the prospects of Ajayi landing in any situation and finding great
fortune, as his limited ability will be a major hurdle for any club. Ajayi has
already proven to be a slower more bruising type of back with a large history
of knee problems. The value for Ajayi couldn’t be lower than it is today.
With recent
reports showing he is visiting the Colts, and a deal is primarily in the works,
fitting in as the team’s goal line back would be a plausible outcome. No much
excitement from our end, but he obviously has some value which Indy
covets.
#4) Jordy Nelson
Recently
released former star (Jordy Nelson), finds himself in a situation he didn’t
think would come this offseason. Having been on the Raiders core for only one
season, Nelson was pushed aside to bring in younger talent. At this point of
his career, Nelson could absolutely provide needed receptions to any weaker
receiver room and should see a contract in the near future.
With rumors
floating that a visit to Seattle has transpired, it’s clear that money will
outweigh any choice simply to remain in the league. With Doug Baldwin having to
deal with more injuries again this offseason, Nelson could fit in with Russell
Wilson catching passes from the slot.
#5) Chris Hogan
Journeymen
wide receiver Chris Hogan again finds himself on the open market after
concluding a mediocre stint with the Patriots. Hogan is what he is at this
point, which is a reliable target without great upside. With a return to New
England not out of the question, it’s clear that finding a club willing to pay
more is the guiding principle.
Hogan is one
of those players that could fit in on any club in securing both outside and
inside receiving responsibilities. The Detroit Lions could be a natural fit
replacing a need over the slot, while continuing to bring in as many players
familiar with Matt Patricia as possible. The Giants, Panthers, Redskins all
have needs at the position as well, making a potential decent market for Hogan.
#6) Dez Bryant
When Dez
Bryant patiently waited for the right opportunity last season, the New Orleans
Saints came calling for support in a playoff push. Unfortunately for Bryant, an
achilles injury derailed his campaign even before the ink dried on his newly
signed contract. Again finding himself without a team, and his phone utterly
silent, we could again see a situation where he waits for deal. We believe
Bryant could still provide good value to any team when given the opportunity.
The Patriots
look to be the best landing spot for both parties, as Bryant could come in on
low dollars assisting New England’s current salary cap troubles. We won’t be
shocked to see Tom Brady throwing passes to Dez Bryant this season.
Also, there
is potential for Bryant to join the New York Giants to help aid in the Odell
Beckham transition, giving them a stop-gap with potential down field playmaking
ability. Having to face the Cowboys twice could spur this thought in Bryant’s
mind as well.
#7) Doug Martin
Remember
when the muscle-hamster was a top commodity in the league? It appears as though
those days are long gone and teams vying for his services are far and few
between. Doug Martin still has decent ability but is entering the dead-zone for
running backs at the ripe age of 30. Showing he could stay healthy last season
was a big marker for him to find a new home in 2019, but a minimal deal should
be the outcome.
Martin will
be on a roster, but will struggle for solid playing time. A return to Oakland
isn’t out of the question, but could we envision a return to Tampa Bay?
#8) CJ Anderson
When CJ
Anderson was picked up by the Rams as they went into their late season push, he
found great fortune to be playing on an offense that was incredibly dynamic.
Anderson looked as though he enjoyed his time off piling on the pounds while
changing the appearance of his overall outlook. Becoming more of a bruiser then
the straight downhill runner he was back in Denver, Anderson found sound
production with the Rams.
At this
point we can’t see any team running to sign Anderson, but he should be able to
carve out a role on a club looking for this dimension.
#9) Spencer Ware
It truly
feels like Spencer Ware had his five minutes of fame in the league and never
was able to regain that focus. After suffering a catastrophic knee injury in
Kansas City, which essentially placed him on the back-burner, he became
expendable in Kansas City.
It’s unclear
if Ware has overcome his knee injury to levels he once was, but we feel he does
still have marginal value for any club at the right price. Ware could be a very
serviceable backup to any number one running back in the league.
#10) Ty Montgomery
One fumble
and all favor for Ty Montgomery went out the window in Green Bay as he was
shipped to the Ravens before the trade deadline last season. Finding himself on
the open market, Montgomery should be able to find a suitor to produce a
contract for his unique level of skill. Having the ability to play both running
back and wide receiver, we fell Montgomery could become a swiss-army knife on
any prolific offense.
Teams can’t
have enough of this type of skill on their offense and we could see Montgomery
signing on in the next few weeks.
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