2012 NFL Free Agents: Analyzing Michael Bush and Other RBs with New Homes

Compared to wide receivers and quarterbacks, not nearly as many running backs have moved in free agency.

This comes as no surprise, with the NFL being a pass-oriented league on offense, but that doesn't mean that running the rock is a dead end. Instead, the following backs who moved did so because punishing on the ground is what's missing.

A balanced offense is key in pro football, or at least possessing the parts to operate as such when needed.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bengals

According to Paul Dehner Jr. of CBS Sports, the Cincinnati Bengals signed BenJarvus Green-Ellis earlier this week.

In other words, don't expect veteran Cedric Benson to get re-signed.

The addition of BenJarvus is a great complement to Bernard Scott and creates a little younger backfield for the Bengals.

The Law Firm led the Pats with 667 rushing yards in 2011, which isn't a lot, but New England did use two other backs in Danny Woodhead and Stevan Ridley. Not to mention, Green-Ellis scored 11 rushing touchdowns and recorded 159 receiving yards on nine catches.

He's a great acquisition for Cincy, because BenJarvus has proven consistency as a short-yardage ball-carrier and is red-zone efficient.

Also, Green-Ellis gained over 1,000 yards in 2010 while scoring 13 touchdowns in 53 games played over his four-year career; BenJarvus has never fumbled in 510 carries.

Michael Bush, Bears

In an article by Michael David Smith of NBC Sports via Mike Florio, the Chicago Bears have brought in Michael Bush:

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Bush has agreed to terms on a deal with the Bears. A league source tells PFT’s Mike Florio that the deal is a four-year, $14 million contract with $7 million guaranteed.

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Bush to the Bears is quite an interesting decision, and the drama appears to have already begun. According to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times, Bears running back Matt Forte added his two cents:

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In a self-titled Twitter rant, Forte said he felt 'disrespected.' Later, he clarified that he didn’t have any problem with the Bears adding a running back — 'I embrace competition as well as help,' he wrote — but with the Bears 'not taking care of [your] own and undervaluing a player under his market value.'

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From an all-encompassed perspective, though, the Bears made the right move in getting Bush. For one, he and Forte would make arguably the best two-back tandem in the league. In turn, this adds more versatility to the offense, as Bush is a dual-threat.

Or, Bush ends up as the sole ball-carrier, and he can produce there as well. In 2011, Bush gained almost 1,400 total yards with over 1,100 coming in the final 10 games.

A reliable Brahma Bull who can hit the lanes hard against any front seven, Bush will either become Forte's replacement or share the backfield in a tandem that significantly takes pressure off the passing game and defense.

Peyton Hillis, Chiefs

A little over a week ago, Peyton Hillis signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to ESPN's Bill Williamson.

It's certainly not the best news in the NFL world to Cleveland Browns fans, but then again, Hillis underachieved in 2011. Meanwhile, Kansas City suffered the injury plague early on last season, and then it continued through the middle of the year.

The good news for Chiefs fans about early-season injuries is that it provides more time to rehab before the next season. Therefore, guys like running back Jamaal Charles and safety Eric Berry have increased odds at being 100 percent this upcoming fall.

As for Hillis, he had that special season in Cleveland with over 1,600 total yards and 13 total touchdowns. Paired with Charles in the backfield, Kansas City has one of the better two-back systems on which to rely.

Include a defense with great potential, and this running game can really improve the Chiefs passing attack. Right now, Kansas City doesn't have four or five wide receivers it can count on to consistently stretch a defense vertically.

Therefore, expect a lot of traditional split-back sets with Matt Cassel under center and in shotgun, as both Hillis and Charles are excellent dual-threat backs.

Provided they get healthy, watch out for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012.

Mike Tolbert, Panthers

According to Pat Yasinskas of ESPN, the Panthers quickly put to rest any suspicion about Mike Tolbert coming in as a half-back:

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In their release officially announcing the signing, the Panthers referred to Tolbert as a fullback, even though he was a running back with San Diego. Throughout the release, there are references to Tolbert as a fullback.

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So, before we get all crazy about what could possibly happen in Carolina, it turns out that the addition of Tolbert will simply provide a more dynamic offense.

That isn't a bad thing, because the Panthers were in need of a standout fullback to help pound the run and set up the pass. Carolina can now have Tolbert blocking for DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart and then slip into the flats on play action.

It's a brilliant move by the Panthers, because no one else in the NFC South has this kind of offensive versatility. New Orleans is pass-heavy, the Falcons are balanced but mostly rely on Michael Turner and the Buccaneers are trying to quickly rebuild.

With Cam Newton directing traffic from under center and buying time with his feet, he won't have as much pressure to perform, as he's backed by a reliable running game. For Carolina's sake, though, let's hope it spruces up the dark side; improving that No. 28 ranking in total defense is imperative.

John Rozum on Twitter.