2012 NFL Free Agents: Finding a Home for the Top 5 RBs on the Market

Lost in all the excitement of free agency is the fact that there are some decent running backs who could be on the market for the taking.

While quarterbacks and receivers have been the topics of conversation as of late, maybe we all have forgotten that there are still some pretty good runners left on the free-agent board.

Because running backs are a dime a dozen here in the NFL, teams do not take as much of a chance on them in the early rounds of the draft, which makes free agency important because seasoned veterans are important to teams who are making a run toward the playoffs.

These backs on this list aren't "sexy," but they get the job done. And for teams needing important yards and some to catch the ball out of the backfield, these guys may be just the ones to take a team over the top.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Who doesn't need a law firm in their backfield?

Green-Ellis is so unheralded and underrated. He can move the chains, block and catch the ball out of the backfield. And, with his size, he is ideal for the goal line.

Detroit, Green Bay and Cleveland should all be interested in his services.

Mike Tolbert

Another one of those "bowling ball" type of runners, Tolbert runs through defenses much like Maurice Jones-Drew. While he is not as skilled as the NFL's leading rusher, he is powerful and helpful in the passing game and in the return game as well.

Like I have said before, I see him in Dallas, but he could be a dark-horse in Cleveland.

Brandon Jacobs

He wins a Super Bowl with the Giants, and then he is released.

The Giants could still use Brandon Jacobs' services. His size and power are what Giants running is all about, and the tandem of Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw is a good combination.

Look for a team such as Detroit or maybe Green Bay to make a play. Another team Jacobs may be perfect for is Baltimore, who lost Ricky Williams to retirement this year.

Michael Bush

I like Michael Bush's size and his speed. Remember, he was a bull at Louisville until he got hurt, and the Raiders took him in the fourth round.

Bush runs over people and can catch the ball out of the backfield. While he was a great fill-in for Darren McFadden when he was injured last season, the Raiders need to consider keeping both of them. 

However, Bush could find his way to division rival Denver. I also see him as a perfect fit in Cincinnati, as the Bengals need more firepower than Cedric Benson.

Peyton Hillis

I still think there is an outside chance Peyton Hillis stays in Cleveland, but it probably is not likely.

The throwback runner who looks like Mark van Eeghen and Larry Csonka has had such and up-and-down career in Cleveland that a change of scenery could be the key to his success.

Teams such as New England, Denver and Green Bay may be interested, and you probably can throw cross-state rival Cincinnati in the mix for Hillis' services.