NFL Free Agent Running Backs

Austin Arnold by Contributor Written on February 13, 2009

Slide 1 of 7

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 03:  Darren Sproles #43 of the San Diego Chargers rushes against the Indianapolis Colts during their AFC Wild Card Game on January 3, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The running back free agency is the place to be, whether you want a little speedy back, or a big power trucker, a blocking back, or a 3rd down back, what ever you want its in the running back free agency.

Derrick Ward

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 02:  Derrick Ward #34 of the New York Giants runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during their game on November 2, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Derrick Ward averaged 5.6 yards per carry this season and also caught 41 passes. However, with the age 28 going on 29 before next season, would only make him a one year signing for anyone.

Also, Ward didn't carry the ball more than 20 times in any game in 2008.

Brandon Jacobs

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 21:  Running back Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants celebrates in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers on December 21, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by

Brandon Jacobs is a "big down hill runner." he will never be tackled by one...two players and will definitely bang it in for that 1st and goal.

Jacobs had 5.3 yards on 1st down alone. The problem is as a starter Jacobs has never completed a full season, but while his injury problems my be a factor its no stopping Jacobs once he gets it going.

Darren Sproles

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 28:  Runningback Darren Sproles #43 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after scoring a 13 yard touchdown reception against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter of the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 28, 2008 in San D

One of if not the fastest players in the draft, Sproles is not and every back down, and never will be one, but he is a powerful explosive weapon on the field.

Dominic Rhodes

INDIANAPOLIS - OCTOBER 12:  Dominic Rhodes #38 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after running for a touchdown during the NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 12, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Get

Rhodes who came in for the struggling Addai and helped the Colts more than than stat sheet said. Rhodes was clearly an over the hill runner this year and only averaged 3.5 yards per carry.

Cedric Benson

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 28:  Cedric Benson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 28, 2008 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Benson was the perfect fit for the Bengals. In the last two game Benson accumulated 182 yards. Benson still has some legal struggles he has two work out but once those are dealt with Benson might actually become a key part in this offense.

(0)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

2 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

52
reads

2
comments

written on February 13, 2009 Sports

The best Panthers newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.