NFL Free Agents 2012: Hottest Running Backs on Market and Likely Landing Spots

The 2012 NFL free agency period is beginning to come to an end, but one position has been noticeably left unscathed thus far.

Running back isn’t the premium position it once was in years' past thanks to the league's transition to heavy passing attacks, but a rotational strategy at the position is now as effective as ever. Two to three backs used effectively can wear a defense out over the course of a game.

For teams in need of a solid rotation, there are still great options left on the open market that fit the various needs of a well-rounded rotation. These guys are still available for various reasons, including injuries, a down year or the over-exaggerated decline after the age of 30. That doesn’t mean that they can’t contribute in a big way next season.

Here are the hottest running backs left on the market, along with their most likely landing spots.

Cedric Benson

Cedric Benson is approaching the age of 30, so that’s the main reason he’s still available at this point.

Teams are making a big mistake by passing up on him.

2011 saw Benson rush for 1,067 yards and six touchdowns, with a 3.9 average, as the workhorse back for the Cincinnati Bengals. He isn’t going to carry the offense for a team anymore, but he can be an amazing rotational player as the back that gets the tough yards between the tackles.

Most likely to land: Look for Benson to land with the New England Patriots on a one-year deal. The Pats are looking for a guy like Benson to replace BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and the two are almost identical players at this point.

Joseph Addai

Joseph Addai has faded into obscurity in the last few years, but he’s only 28 years old and has a skill set that will allow him to make contributions to some team in 2012.

Addai only appeared in 12 games for the horrific Indianapolis Colts last season, rushing for 443 yards and one score. Those are find numbers for a rotational back, and that’s all Addai is at this point in his career. His most valuable skill is his ability to pass-block—he’s one of the best in the league in that regard.

Most likely to land: The Denver Broncos seem like a very, very natural fit here. A reunion with Peyton Manning would make sense given Addai’s ability to pass-block and catch passes out of the backfield.

Tim Hightower

Tim Hightower hasn’t generated any interest on the open market as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered a year ago. That doesn’t make much sense given that Hightower is a starting-caliber NFL running back.

Hightower appeared in five games before his injury last season, rushing for 321 yards and one score. 2010 was his breakout year, when he rushed for 736 yards and five scores with an incredible 4.8 average. If Hightower comes back healthy, he’s a legitimate threat as a starting running back, and he’s only 25 years old.

Most likely to land: It’s hard to see Hightower ending up anywhere but back with the Redskins next season, unless they miraculously land Alabama’s Trent Richardson in the upcoming draft. Hightower has seen no interest on the market, so a one-year, prove-it deal with his former team makes the most sense.

Justin Forsett

Justin Forsett is one of those players that only fans of his team know about, but he could receive a lot of national recognition if he manages to be scooped up into the right situation.

Forsett only rushed the ball 46 times last season as the backup to Marshawn Lynch, and he hasn’t seen much action in his four years with the Seahawks. When Forsett has had the chance to play, though, it has been more than obvious that he is an extremely talented back who deserves an opportunity to shine.

Most likely to land: The Green Bay Packers could use a young back filled with potential like Forsett. The Pack’s depth chart at the position isn’t exactly brimming with untapped talent, so Forsett seems like a good fit.

LaDainian Tomlinson

Critics and fans alike have been claiming for a few seasons now that LaDainian Tomlinson has nothing left in the tank. He’s 32 years old, so that argument has some merit.

That argument dies quickly, however, in the face of Tomlinson’s production.

Last year, Tomlinson was under-utilized by the New York Jets, only carrying the ball 75 times for 280 yards. Two seasons ago, when Tomlinson received the carries, he deserved he 906 yards and six touchdowns with a solid 4.1 average. He’s still a very good all-around back and could be a vital piece to a great rotation.

Most likely to land: There are a plethora of teams that could use Tomlinson, not only for his skill on the turf but for his veteran locker room presence. The Green Bay Packers could be a nice fit if they want to bring in a veteran back who can still produce in all facets of the game.

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