2012 NFL Free Agents: Ronnie Brown and Other Backup RBs Who Should Go Elsewhere

With the NFL's free agency period approaching, you can just feel the tension in the air as the anticipation grows toward players who will or won't sign elsewhere.

One position to watch, though, are the backup running backs. In pro football, as it has been for a while, having a legitimate dual-back tandem in the backfield is a key ingredient to winning championships and Super Bowls.

To that end, whether it's because of age, the need to change scenery, another opportunity or lack of production, here are some backup running backs who need to sign elsewhere this offseason.

Justin Forsett

With Leon Washington taking over the No. 2 running back spot to Marshawn Lynch and acting as the primary return man, Justin Forsett should sign elsewhere to give himself another opportunity in the league.

After all, he does have proven decent production for not being a No. 1 guy through 2009 and 2010.

There, Forsett gained 619 and 528 rushing yards, respectively as well as amassing 602 receiving yards on 74 catches. Together, Forsett accounted for seven total touchdowns and averaged almost five yards per carry and a little over eight yards per reception.

In 2011, however, Forsett saw a significant drop in playing time which cut into production. Therefore, franchises such as Jacksonville, Oakland (if Michael Bush signs elsewhere) and Chicago could use Forsett's services.

He's not a reliable No. 1 starter but can be a solid third-down and No. 2 back as proven with the Seahawks in '09 and '10.

Ronnie Brown

Ronnie Brown, simply put, is rarely going to see the field in Philadelphia.

Starter LeSean McCoy is not only the better back, but also a dual-threat every down running back that shouldn't come off the field.

And with the scrambling ability of Michael Vick, the Eagles don't necessarily need a backup running back of Brown's status. For one, he's been injured on more than one occasion and is also 30 years old.

If Philadelphia needs anything to help out McCoy, it's a younger Brahma Bull who's much more durable and proved much consistency through college. As for Brown, he needs to go somewhere that needs to utilize a dual-back system much more than Philly.

Such as the Detroit Lions or Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens would be a better fit as with Ray Rice carrying the load, Brown can provide the option of having two dual-threat backs on any down. It would take a lot of pressure off quarterback Joe Flacco and help drive the linebackers from walling off the intermediate passing game.

The Lions could use Brown, simply because they lacked in rushing offense and need a veteran back to come in and fill the void while Mikel Leshoure continues to make his comeback.

Earnest Graham

Although Earnest Graham was Tampa Bay's No. 2 back in 2011, he was out-gained by quarterback Josh Freeman and had just 206 rushing yards on 37 attempts with no touchdowns.

Also, 109 of those yards came against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6, the Buccaneers final victory of the 2011 season. Graham would only play in one more game thereafter, and he hasn't played in all 16 games since the 2006 season.

Right now Graham is 32 years old and can't produce much even when fully healthy. That said, Tampa needs a younger running back via the draft to help LeGarrette Blount run a two-back system.

Graham, on the other hand, could be of good use to a team like Jacksonville who's well-established in the ground game and needs for at least one season, a veteran complement to Maurice Jones-Drew.

Obviously Graham wouldn't play too much but considering the Jaguars horrendous passing offense, new head coach Mike Mularkey would have the option to run a lot of two-back sets and at the very least, increase pass protection.

Defenses wouldn't zone in so much on MJD, and Graham could produce a lot of first downs in short yard situations.

Lance Ball

Lance Ball and the Denver Broncos are an interesting situation.

Aside from being an exclusive rights free agent, Ball will be 27 years old before the 2012 season kicks off, so that window of opportunity is beginning to close in on that ever-so coveted age of 30 for pro running backs.

In addition, it's a tricky situation because veteran Willis McGahee remains the No. 1 back, and with Tim Tebow going through his developmental stages as a quarterback, he's still going to run the ball as well.

Therefore, Ball is technically the Broncos' third option to run the rock, but still gained over 400 yards rushing and 148 yards receiving in 2011. The question here, though, is whether the Broncos decide to draft a back to complement McGahee and Ball signs elsewhere.

After all, if Denver does not draft a back, McGahee and Ball are a solid duo but aren't getting any younger. McGahee will be 31 by midseason, so that window is near closing, and Ball isn't a No. 1 Brahma Bull.

He can, however, be a great No. 2 back and earn more carries in a place like Cincinnati (provided they do not re-sign Cedric Benson while drafting a back) or Tennessee.

The Titans need a well-established No. 2 back to take attention away from Chris Johnson, and Ball's production from 2011 will warrant that in 2012. As evidence of his slow start last season, Johnson needs a complement to keep the Titans ground game relevant, thus taking pressure off the passing game.

John Rozum on Twitter.