NFL Free Agency 2012: 6 Veteran Running Backs the Green Bay Packers Must Chase

If the Green Bay Packers sign a reliable veteran running back out of the 2012 free agency pool, the team will be one step closer to its second championship in three years.

Aaron Rodgers and the passing attack played at an elite level last season, but the running backs did not provide much assistance.

James Starks and Ryan Grant were both inconsistent due to injuries last year, and the team lacked a dependable runner. Rookies Alex Green and Brandon Saine also faced health problems and need time to develop.

If Rodgers had a talented tailback, the offense could be even better than last season. With $7 million in cap space and the possibility of freeing up $10 million more, the team can make this a reality.

Here are six available RBs that each bring something a little different to the Green Bay offense.

6. Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals

Age: 29

Previous contract: 1 year, $5 million

What he brings to the Packers: An every-down back

Cedric Benson has been a 1,000-yard rusher in the past three seasons.

He resurrected his career with the Cincinnati Bengals and has proved capable of grinding out tough yardage between the tackles.

The Green Bay Packers' running backs showed an inability to stay healthy this past season, while Benson played in 15 games. He received over 15 carries in every game except two. In contrast, Ryan Grant was the only Packer back to reach that mark and did it only once last season (Week 3 vs. Chicago).

With Benson as part of the offense, the Packers would have a powerful runner who excels in short yardage situations. They would also gain a player capable of carrying the ball 20 or more times in game. 

The Packers split time between Grant and James Starks last season, as both proved incapable of taking on a full load. With Benson, they would have a player who can handle as many carries as he needs to on any given week.

5. LaDainian Tomlinson, New York Jets

Age: 32

Previous contract: 2 years, $5.2 million

What he brings to the Packers: Great hands

LaDainian Tomlinson was once the NFL's premier running back, but now is more of a situational player.

That being said, he does still excel at certain aspects of the game, most notably catching the ball out of the backfield.

Tomlinson has always had fantastic receiving skills for a tailback and continues to be lethal in the screen game.

His veteran savvy allows him to run routes with precision, which will make him a nice addition to a Packers offense that is based on timing. 

Tomlinson would give Aaron Rodgers a dynamic option as an outlet receiver and could take the offense to another level.

4. Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

Age: 27

Previous contract: 1 years, $2.61 million

What he brings to the Packers: Power

At 6'1" and 245 pounds, Michael Bush is a big, strong runner.

His power made him an excellent complement to the speedy Darren McFadden with the Oakland Raiders.

That same quality would make Bush a valuable addition to the Green Bay Packers. The team lacks a physical back capable of wearing down a defense. John Kuhn has been effective in short-yardage situations, but is not the type of player who can receive 12-15 carries per game.

Winter in Green Bay is not conducive to pass-happy offenses and Bush's ability to churn out tough yards would help the Packers late in the season.

3. Steve Slaton, Miami Dolphins

Age: 26

Previous contract: 4 years, $2.37 million

What he brings to the Packers: Speed

Steve Slaton is a lightning-fast back capable of breaking off a long run on any play.

He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds at the NFL Combine, and his speed could greatly benefit the Green Bay Packers.

Slaton rushed for over 1,000 yards and caught 50 passes in his rookie season in 2008, but has since failed to live up to that standard.

A full training camp with a new team may be just what Slaton needs to become a productive player once again. If the running back is focused, he can give the Packers offense the home run hitter it lacks in the backfield.

Neither Ryan Grant nor James Starks has the type of speed that makes them a threat to go the distance on any play, but Slaton does. The Packers would be smart to add him to Aaron Rodgers' arsenal of offensive weapons.

2. Thomas Jones, Kansas City Chiefs

Age: 33

Previous contract: 2 years, $5 million

What he brings to the Packers: Reliability

Thomas Jones has played in all 16 games in each of the last six seasons.

The 12-year veteran has fumbled just 10 times in those 96 games. He has been a model of consistency and reliability throughout the latter part of his career.

The Green Bay Packers running backs all missed time due to injury last season and the team could use a solid runner who will be in the lineup every week.

While Jones may no longer be an every-down RB at this stage in his career, he can still be a productive member of a backfield rotation. He would be an excellent complement to players like James Starks and Ryan Grant, who are talented but not always dependable.

1. Mike Tolbert, San Diego Chargers

Age: 26

Previous contract: 1 year, $1.835 million

What he brings to the Packers: A little bit of everything

Mike Tolbert has all the necessary qualities to be a perfect fit with the Green Bay Packers.

At 5'9" and 243 pounds, he has always been hard to bring down. His large frame makes him an excellent between-the-tackles runner and he does well in short-yardage situations.

But last season he also showed the ability to be effective in the screen game and caught 54 passes for 433 yards. 

In addition to being a threat as a runner and receiver, Tolbert has blue-collar toughness and is a positive presence in the locker room.

While other free agent running backs offer one quality that is useful to the Packers, Tolbert is the complete package. Green Bay's offense would be unstoppable if he came to Lambeau Field before next season.