NFL Free Agents 2012: Ray Rice and Best Running Backs Available

The NFL is unquestionably a quarterback's league, but running back remains one of the most important positions in football.

Unless you have Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers, you aren't making noise in the playoffs without a consistent running threat.

Luckily for the rest of the league, there are plenty of quality running backs in the free agent class of 2012.

Here are the top ball carriers that will be available this offseason.

Ray Rice

Rice, who is still on his rookie contract, is one of the most underpaid players in the NFL.

Despite finishing the regular season second in rushing yards (1,364) and tied for third in rushing touchdowns (12), Rice made a relatively meager $600,000 this season.

The 24-year-old is in for a big payday this offseason and he says that he wants to stay in Baltimore.  However, he certainly wouldn't be the first NFL player to go back on his word.

Arian Foster

Foster is a restricted free agent, so he'll likely return to Houston next season.

If he doesn't, someone will acquire one hell of a running back. Foster was an animal in the regular season, rushing for 1,224 yards and 10 touchdowns despite missing three games with injuries.

Foster was even better in the postseason, rushing for 285 yards and three touchdowns in two playoff games.

Marshawn Lynch

The man with the Skittles fetish will be getting a hefty contract this summer, to go along with plenty of free candy.

Lynch is one of the most violent runners in the game and he's coming off his best season. In 2011, he set career highs in rushing yards (1,204) and touchdowns (12).

The Seahawks should hit Lynch with the franchise tag, because they will be completely screwed if he leaves. But if they let him walk, Lynch will have plenty of suitors.

Matt Forte

Forte was playing at an incredibly high level before a sprained MCL forced him to miss the final four games of the season.

Despite the injury, Forte racked up 997 rushing yards and 490 receiving yards. He only found the end zone four times, but his importance to Chicago's offense was immeasurable.

Like Rice, Forte was woefully underpaid this season. Also like Rice, he will have a very fat bank account in due time.

Peyton Hillis

Hillis had an awful season, between missing games with injury, to contract disputes with the Browns front office, to dealing with being the latest victim of the "Madden Curse."

Hillis only carried the ball 161 times this season, rushing for 587 and three touchdowns.

Despite his disappointing season, the 25-year-old Hillis still has a bright future. When he was actually healthy this season, he was pretty effective.

Against the vicious Ravens defense, Hillis ran for 112 yards on 24 carries.

He definitely won't be returning to Cleveland, but Hillis will be productive somewhere next season.