New York Jets: 5 Running Back Options for the Jets This Offseason

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The New York Jets are coming off a very disappointing season and changes have been made. Expect more changes and additions before next season gets underway. 

LaDainian Tomlinson is one of the best running backs of all time. He has been on the Jets for the past two seasons. Unfortunately, LT's career is coming to an end and he is no longer a serviceable back. He is basically limited to receiving.

The Jets also just hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano to be there new offensive coordinator. Sparano will help the Jets get back to being a "ground and pound" team. 

In order to get back to being one of the top rushing offenses in football, the Jets need to acquire another running back to play alongside Shonn Greene. The new addition and Greene could give the Jets a strong "two-headed horse" rushing attack.

Here is a look at some of the possible running backs who could join Gang Green next season.

Ray Rice

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The most likely scenario is that the Baltimore Ravens will use the franchise tag on Ray Rice. The franchise tag is expected to guarantee running backs roughly $7.7 million in 2012.

Rice has also made it known that he is willing to play under the franchise tag next season, while trying to work on a long-term deal.

So this situation is pretty hypothetical. If, hypothetically speaking, the Baltimore Ravens let Ray Rice go and Rice becomes a free agent, the Jets should be the first team to contact him.

When Rex Ryan was named coach of the New York Jets, he waited at Bart Scott's doorstep until teams could start talking to free agents, in order to recruit Scott from the Ravens to the Jets.

If Rice somehow becomes a free agent, Rex Ryan should do the same exact thing.

Rice has emerged as one of the best running backs in the league and he would give Sanchez a legitimate receiving running back. Shonn Green has had troubles catching passes. Rice on the other hand, is a sure-handed back. He rushed for over 1300 yards last season and had over 700 receiving yards.

Rice is from New York and went to school in New Jersey. The Jets should do everything they can to bring this guy back home.

Matt Forte

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This is another hypothetical situation similar to Ray Rice because Forte could be franchised tagged by the Chicago Bears. However the chances of Matt Forte hitting free agency are much higher than Rice's.

Forte will be difficult to acquire because he will be one of the top free agents and demand a high price. The Jets might not have enough cap space to bring Forte in, but he would be worth making some moves in order to be able to bring him in.

Forte is a talented and versatile back, who can both run and catch. The Jets need a running back who can also catch passes from Mark Sanchez. This will help open up their offense.

Peyton Hillis

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This is my most realistic and best option for the Jets. 

Peyton Hillis will help give the Jets a tough identity as they try and get back to the "ground and pound" style. Greene and Hillis will wear down defenses and open up the passing game for Mark Sanchez. Hillis is a power back with receiving abilities, that could come in handy for Sanchez.

The way last season went down for Hillis, his price probably won't be as high as he expects. That means the Jets could probably mess around with their finances and bring him in.

Ryan Grant

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Grant has had a solid career and is on a Packers team that is pass heavy. He has returned from injury and towards the end of the season he showed he still can be a very good running back.

His price will not be high because he is injury prone. The Jets also might not want to have two injury prone running backs as Shonn Greene has shown that he is no iron man.

The Jets could take a shot on Grant and his health and pair him up with Shonn Greene. Greene and Grant are both downhill running backs.

Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch made a name for himself with his 67 yard touchdown run against the Saints in the 2010-11 playoffs. The following season he proved he was not just a one hit wonder. 

He ran for over 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Lynch, especially when he goes into "Beast Mode," will help the Jets run the ball between the tackles and push the pile.

The Jets got a front row seat to a young Marshawn Lynch as he ran for over 1000 yards in his first two seasons with the Buffalo Bills.