Ahmad Bradshaw Staying with NY Giants? 7 Running Backs and Where They End Up

With the NFL lockout officially over, fans will soon witness one of the craziest weeks in recent memory. Over the next five days, teams will attempt to sign undrafted, drafted, restricted and unrestricted free agents.

Teams will make trades but won't be able to make them official until Saturday. On Thursday, teams will officially cut players and a second wave of free agents will become available.

Seven proven running backs who will demand attention over the next few days:

Ahmad Bradshaw Stays with New York Footbal Giants Almost a Sure Thing?

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB: recorded his first 1000 yard season in 2010 and there’s no reason to believe he won’t match or surpass it again in 2011. 

He’s had fumbling issues, but we're talking about the New York Football Giants, who cured Tiki Barber of the same affliction.

He's the hot name in the rumor mill, but with 17 touchdowns in 2010, we're 99.9% confident that Bradshaw will continue his career in the Meadowlands.

DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers Could Be the Steal of Free Agency

DeAngelo Williams, RB: had a rough 2010 campaign but may be the steal of this year's free agency. Before injuries, Williams recorded two 1000 yard seasons and was one of the more dynamic runners in the league.

Carolina is crazy if they let him go. With Cam Newton or Jimmy Clausen as the Panthers QB, they will have a hard time producing any type of passing game and they will heavily rely on Williams.

All reports indicate that Williams is staying but we think he has an itch for greener pastures.  DeAngelo didn't deny reports of his interest in the Dolphins and we think this indicates his willingness to leave.

A reunion with John Fox in Denver is very possible?

Reggie Bush Heading to San Diego?

Reggie Bush, RB: won’t be with the Saints unless he takes a dramatic pay cut.  

His rushing yards have declined each year in the NFL, but he more than makes up for it with his punt returning and receiving skills from the backfield.

In fact, one could argue that Reggie’s rushing numbers have dipped as a product of the Saints offensive scheme and his role within it as opposed to his athletic skill.

Essentially, the Saints have primarily used him as a fifth wide out and third-down back for two years running. 

San Diego Chargers may like the idea of Bush replacing Sproles? Tolbert and Bush would be a nice "Thunder and Lightning Duo."

If Cedric Benson Leaves the Bengals, Then Who's Left to Score Points?

Cedric Benson, RB: The former first-rounder ran for his second consecutive 1000 yard season and was due for a big payday. Then came his arrest, and his availability for the 2011 season is in jeopardy.

With Palmer possibly retiring, the Bengals situation could get ugly real fast. Think about it. If Cincinnati loses both Palmer and Benson, then who’s left to score points?

Our intuition says that Benson re-signs with the Bengals despite his off-the-field issues.

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams Show to Air in Miami for One More Season?

Ronnie Brown, RB: played all 16 games in 2010. This was a first during his entire six-year career.  At 29 and with a history of injuries, Ronnie will be hard pressed to find anything beyond a two-year deal.

The Dolphins may be inclined to re-sign him as they may lose Ricky Williams. With the shortened off-season, teams will need players who are familiar with their system or risk a slow start in a division with the Patriots and Jets.

Unless Ronnie demands too much money, he’ll re-sign with the Dolphins.

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams Show to Air in Miami for One More Season?

Ricky Williams, RB: The ageless hippie eccentric running back continues to defy the odds.  At 34, he continues to produce above four yards per carry and is capable of the occasional 45 yard goal line sprint. 

Of all the older backs in the league I would give my final roster spot to Ricky 9 of 10 times. He runs hard, catches out of the backfield, blocks well, and he's been doing performance based contracts since being drafted in 1999.

He isn’t going to ask for the bank and the Dolphins may need him if Ronnie Brown decides to leave. However, we think the Ronnie and Ricky show airs one more season.

Cadillac Williams Running out of Gas?

Cadillac Williams, RB: After suffering numerous injuries, Williams made a valiant comeback and recorded over 800 yards in 2009. Unfortunately, in 2010 he seemed to lose the starting role to former Oregon stand out rookie LeGarrette Blount.

Cadillac isn’t a 1,000-yard rusher anymore but could help a team while providing a bargain price.

We'd say it may be the end for Cadillac but if Tiki Barber can get a roster spot, then Williams surely can. Being Frank Gore’s backup has its advantages.