2015 NFL Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions for Top Available Running Backs

A lack of respect for top-end running backs is likely to cause a bit of a carousel at the position this offseason.

Last offseason, ESPN's John Clayton discussed the terrible market for running backs, saying as bad as things had gotten, "the market is going to get worse for running backs." No matter how many rushing yards a player totals, organizations realize they are better off finding a cheaper replacement in the draft rather than forking up the dough.

As a result, there will be some big names potentially changing teams, greatly affecting the landscape of the NFL as well as fantasy football rosters around the country.

Here is a look at the latest buzz surrounding some of the more prominent free agents at the position.

Mark Ingram

USA TODAY Sports

This season was by far the best in Mark Ingram's career, as the former Heisman Trophy winner rushed for 964 yards and nine touchdowns in just 13 games.

For the first time, Ingram was given a chance to be a featured back, and he took advantage with some big games.

However, his strong play doesn't necessarily guarantee he will be back with the New Orleans Saints next season, according to Nick Underhill of The Advocate:

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In a recent news conference, New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis singled Mark Ingram out as one of the bright spots in an otherwise lost season.

But that vote of confidence has not yet led to the Saints making an effort to retain the free-agent running back, according to a league source, who indicates the team has not had any conversations with Ingram about a potential return.

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The Saints certainly have other options in the backfield between Khiry Robinson and the recently signed Tim Hightower. However, Ingram is someone who gives the team a true presence in the ground game as a north-south runner who is also helpful at the goal line.

With the market likely to remain low for an inconsistent running back like Ingram, look for him to come back to the Saints at a reasonable price for another successful year.

Prediction: New Orleans Saints

DeMarco Murray

There is no denying the fact that DeMarco Murray was at least one of the best running backs in football this season. He finished the year with a team-record 1,845 rushing yards, which was almost 500 yards more than anyone else in the NFL.

However, the problem the Dallas Cowboys have is the difficulty in re-signing both Murray and receiver Dez Bryant.

“Is it possible? Yes,” owner Jerry Jones recently explained. “But if you just look at it from the standpoint of dollars and cents, it probably doesn’t look reasonable.”

Field Yates of ESPN.com (subscription required) took a look at the Cowboys' offseason plans and noted how it was the team's bigger priority to keep Bryant around:

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The explosive, 26-year-old Bryant is an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year, and the team has made no secret of the fact that it intends to keep him around for a long time. [...]

Bryant isn't the only star offensive player who is in need of a new deal, but the decision on Murray might not be quite as easy. The team has expressed a desire to re-sign Murray, but running backs have become a tricky commodity to assess: There is no shortage of productive backs in the league who are making minimal money.

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Bleacher Report's Chris Simms also discussed in the video above his belief that Murray will be with a new team next season.

With Bryant being a bigger priority, the Cowboys will be free to let the running back go and bring in someone else who can have success behind the talented offensive line.

Of course, Murray will have plenty of options on the open market. One destination that makes a lot of sense is the Tennessee Titans, a team in desperate need of an upgrade to its No. 26 rushing attack.

As Matt Williamson of ESPN.com (subscription required) also speculated, "With either Zach Mettenberger or a first-round rookie quarterback likely in charge of the Titans' offense, this team absolutely will need a running game and a back such as Murray to hand the ball to over and over."

If the two sides can agree on a reasonable price, this would be a perfect fit for all parties.

Prediction: Tennessee Titans

C.J. Spiller

Joe Sargent/Getty Images

A collarbone injury limited C.J. Spiller to just 300 rushing yards in nine games this season, but there will certainly be a line of teams interested in signing the 27-year-old running back.

When healthy, the Buffalo Bills star has shown the ability to be a dynamic player with the ability to make an impact in both the passing and running game. It was only 2012 when he was one of the best in the league at his position with an average of six yards per carry and 10.7 yards per reception.

The Bills front office has already discussed its intention to keep Spiller with the organization. However, there will likely be some competition for the player's services.

Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports Radio discussed the potential interest resurfacing with the Arizona Cardinals:

According to Rotoworld, "Spiller is also thought to be coveted by Eagles coach Chip Kelly."

Still, the best fit for the running back appears to be the New York Jets after they hired former Bills coach Chan Gailey as offensive coordinator.

Spiller told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News:

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There is that familiarity between me and him in that offense. So that would be a perfect match. Who knows what can happen, but I’d be foolish not to have those guys on my list. I had my best years in the league with Chan. So it’d be dumb not to give it serious thought.

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That thought could lead to Spiller joining the roster and becoming a focal point of an offense with major question marks at quarterback. After splitting carries for most of his career in Buffalo, this could be his chance to truly become a star.

Prediction: New York Jets

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