2012 NFL Free Agents: Power Ranking Best Available Running Backs

This may be the year of the wide receiver—pass-catchers have been getting huge contracts in the last week—but that just means running backs can come at a discount.

The running backs currently available in free agency sure aren't the sexiest of names, but that doesn't mean teams can't get better by signing them.

Here's a look at the best available ball-carriers. 

3. Cedric Benson

I told you the names weren't sexy. 

Benson isn't able to break off huge runs, as he's averaged under 4.0 yards per carry in five of his last six seasons, but he's a workhorse. 

The seven-year veteran has racked up 895 carries in the last three seasons, and that in itself is valuable. 

Benson would make sense for a team that already has an electric passing attack but wants to be able to keep defenses honest with a talented player.

He won't carry an offense or be a huge playmaker, but Benson is still very capable of starting in this league. 

2. Mike Tolbert

Speaking of guys who dominate in between the tackles, Tolbert is an animal when it comes to short-yardage situations. 

Not only that, he's also a very good pass-catcher, as evidenced by his 54 catches in limited time in 2011.

Tolbert probably isn't a guy you want for every down, but he's the perfect backup for a talented, speedy running back. 

1. Michael Bush

Bush won't out-run anyone in the open field, but he's an absolute man going through the tackles. He can handle a full load of carries and always produces when given the chance.

Filling in for Darren McFadden in 2011, Bush rumbled for 977 yards on 256 carries. That's a poor yards-per-carry average, but don't underestimate the fact that he has the ability to carry the ball 256 times in a season. That's something not many backs can do these days.

Bush also has very good pass-catching ability out of the backfield.

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