2012 NFL Free Agents: Michael Bush and Other RBs Who Need to Re-Sign

With some of the NFL's premier running backs already have received the franchise tag or a new contract, the next checkpoint is the beginning of free agency.

There we will see key running backs who if not re-signed will become available and quite appealing to teams needing a stud Brahma Bull.

That being said, here are running backs that must get re-signed by their 2011 franchise for the 2012 season and beyond.

Michael Bush, Oakland

Although Michael Bush only saw a lot of playing time when Darren McFadden was out, the Oakland Raiders need to retain him because he provides the offense with a reliable two-back system.

Last season Bush gained almost 1,400 yards and scored eight touchdowns after not fully taking over until roughly midway through the season.

If anything, Bush's production proved that the Raiders are a ground-and-pound type team. And with two dynamic backs in 2012, they really can be unstoppable. Their passing offense must improve, but as long as the running game is working, defenses will be vulnerable to play-action.

And in the AFC West, running the rock, as we saw in 2011, is choice by the majority. The Broncos ran the ball well as did Kansas City. So if you can control the game on the ground, your chances of winning the division are increased.

Bush and McFadden would make arguably the best running back tandem in the league and really help out the defense as well. A great rushing attack will take pressure off the quarterback and receivers, control the game tempo and allow the defense more time to rest.

The Raiders need Bush back big-time. If he goes elsewhere, he'll just keep rolling.

Jackie Battle, Kansas City

Much like Michael Bush in Oakland, the Kansas City Chiefs must re-sign Jackie Battle.

Had it not been for Jamaal Charles going down, Battle rarely would have seen the field. But he proved his ability when given the opportunity.

Battle was not as consistently effective as Bush. Still, his 597 rushing yards on 149 carries equaled out to an impressive average of four yards per carry.

Unlike Bush, Battle isn't a dual-threat back who is a threat as a receiver. But he does excel in the short-yardage ground game.

Pair him with Charles in 2012 and the Chiefs can run a split-back set to dominate the front seven of opposing defenses. If anything, Battle's presence will take attention away from Charles, and his size will allow him to provide additional pass protection.

He may not have the top speed of Charles, but Battle has great explosion through the running lane and can break tackles for the extra yards.

With a stout defense and healthy quarterback under center, the Chief can do some serious damage with Battle complementing Charles next fall.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England

The New England Patriots need to keep BenJarvus Green-Ellis because they have no one else who can slam the trenches like he can.

Danny Woodhead and Stevan Ridley are reliable backs on the edge, for screens, draws and as the check-down outlet in the passing game. But Green-Ellis sets all that up by going off tackle and inside.

Green-Ellis is the main running back for the Pats, and their spread offense wouldn't be nearly as effective without him.

For starters, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in 2010. In 2011 he only rushed for 667 yards, but scored 11 times and added 159 receiving yards (averaged 17.7 yards per catch).

Green-Ellis is New England's most complete running back. Losing him would allow defenses to put a linebacker spy on the smaller backs and would make it easier to double-team tight end Rob Gronkowski.

In addition, the Pats would rely on Tom Brady even more. Although not a bad thing, that isn't the best when the reason you are doing it is because you don't have a legitimate threat on the ground.

Despite the NFL being a passing league, every successful team has the ability to run the ball effectively when needed.

And BenJarvus does just that for the Patriots.

Kevin Smith, Detroit

One of the better stories of the 2011 season, Kevin Smith was given another opportunity with the Detroit Lions after having injury-stricken seasons in 2009 and 2010.

In 2008, his last full season before re-signing with Detroit halfway through last season, Smith had 1,262 rushing and receiving yards and scored eight touchdowns. Considering that was the Lions' 0-16 season, Smith had performed quite well.

In 13 games in 2009, Smith had 1,162 rushing and receiving yards and scored five touchdowns. Last season, he had 535 rushing and receiving yards and scored seven touchdowns in just seven games.

He's a dual-threat machine who if complemented by a power back (such as Mikel Leshoure, if he gets healthy), will give the Lions an all-encompassing attack on offense.

With Matthew Stafford at quarterback, the passing game is virtually flawless. And with improved health and development by the offensive line, Detroit can really take over the NFC North, especially if the Packers remain weak at rush offense and rush defense.

However, that isn't immediately possible without Smith in the backfield. After being given another chance, his production is proven and will be showcased in 2012, regardless where he plays.

John Rozum on Twitter.