NFL Free Agency Rumors: Ryan Grant and the Latest on Available, Underrated RBs

At this point in NFL free agency, it's going to be difficult for franchises to land a stud running back.

Guys like Michael Bush, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Brandon Jacobs may still be available, but there's also some decent talent hiding as well.

Therefore, let's take a look at some of the underrated runningbacks who can impress in 2012.

Ryan Grant

According to Rob Reischel of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Green Bay Packers may end up retaining Ryan Grant:

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While Grant is 29, he doesn't have the wear and tear of many running backs his age. The crop of free agent running backs also is relatively weak, which might provide Grant an opportunity to resuscitate his career like Willis McGahee did in Denver last season.

If that doesn't happen, the Packers appear willing to get involved.

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Favoring Grant also are his two seasons in 2008 and 2009 where he gained over 1,200 yards each season and combined for 15 touchdowns. As a rookie in 2007, Grant had a productive year with eight touchdowns and 956 yards.

Grant's also collected 728 receiving yards during his career, so the Packers do need his dual-threat ability. Nonetheless, anyone who manages to sign Grant will be getting a complete back that simply dealt with an injury in 2010; which caused him to miss 15 games.

Yes, it's a concern, but Grant has proven experience and consistent production (when healthy) to significantly contribute in 2012.

Jackie Battle

With Peyton Hillis signing in Kansas City, it would be surprising to see Jackie Battle return. Which at the moment, looks to be the case. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chargers may take a look at Battle:

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My understanding is talks at critical stage w/ Mike Tolbert. Team wants to know if he's in or out. Could move on to Jackie Battle tonight.

— UTKevinAcee (@UTKevinAcee) March 16, 2012"

 

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Provided that the interest is mutual, it's a smart move by both sides. San Diego will need to replace Tolbert and it would be getting a bruiser running back.

Battle displayed solid consistency in 2011 after filling in for Jamaal Charles with almost 600 yards and a four-yard per carry average.

He would make a good complement to Ryan Mathews, who gained over 1,500 total yards in 2011. The Bolts need a punishing back who can also lead block from a two-back set. Although Tolbert was reliable in all phases of the game, Battle allows for the passing game to set up easier.

Kevin Smith

Here's a player who the Detroit Lions can't afford to lose, as Kevin Smith proved in 2011 that he has even more motivation to get it done on the field.

And in an article by Tony Ortiz of CBS 62 Detroit, Ortiz believes that Smith isn't going anywhere:

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Expect the Lions to take some good, hard looks at free agents at this position, especially with Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure both returning from injuries. Kevin Smith will likely be resigned – he ran well, but his effectiveness was limited by injuries that kept him off the field.

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Yes, Smith dealt with injuries once again, just as he did in 2009 and 2010. But, Smith was not re-signed by the Lions until early November of last season, so production was going to be limited, regardless.

In just seven games played, Smith accounted for 535 total yards and scored seven total touchdowns. Detroit needs this kinds of dynamic at the running back position. Lest we forget, but Smith compiled over 1,200 total yards in 2008 as a rookie (when the Lions went 0-16).

With his versatility and production potential as a full season starter, Detroit needs Smith to keep the offense from being one-dimensional.

John Rozum on Twitter.