2011 NFL Free Agency: Reggie Bush and the Best RBs on the Open Market

The days of the one-back formation are over in the NFL, as most teams now use three running backs in certain offensive packages. With the lack of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in place, teams are unsure who will be lining up in their backfields next season.

No one has a clue what form of free agency will be in place once the dust settles between the owners and players, so general managers and player personnel directors cannot count on improving their running game via free agency this offseason.

Let’s take a look at the 10 top running backs currently on the free agent market.

Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints

Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

GRAPEVINE, TX - FEBRUARY 03: NFL Player Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints attends the Coke Zero black carpet at the EA SPORTS Madden Bowl XVII at The Glass Cactus on February 3, 2011 in Grapevine, Texas. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Madde

Reggie Bush changed his tune about remaining in New Orleans over the weekend, proclaiming that his first goal is re-signing with the Saints. Bush’s troubles began with his post-draft tweets that suggested selecting Mark Ingram had ended his relationship with the team.

Bush didn't recognize how their different running styles could complement one another in the Saints' running game. It’s better that he restructures his contract and remains in New Orleans.

Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 19: Cedric Benson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Coming into this offseason, Cedric Benson was going to be one of the top free agents available on the open market. A bidding war should have broken out between teams for his services, but the lockout has prevented that from happening.

Don’t be surprised if Benson re-signs with Cincinnati since they hired Jay Gruden as their new offensive coordinator. He plans to install an offense that features a strong running game, and that should put a smile on Benson’s face; he carried the football 321 times in the 2010 season.

DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: Travis LaBoy #54 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles DeAngelo Wiliams #34 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty I

DeAngelo Williams is another free agent candidate who should receive a lot of attention from teams, but the lockout has clouded where he will be playing football next season. His running style is very diverse, and Williams has the speed to score on the outside during a sweep play and the power to break tackles at the line of scrimmage.

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera hopes the front office can re-sign him because he wants Williams to anchor of his backfield. Rivera also wants a calming influence next to Cam Newton on the field next season.

Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Running back Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins is upended by the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The Miami Dolphins are very interested in re-signing free agent Ronnie Brown, even though they traded up in the NFL Draft to select Daniel Thomas as their next running back. They currently don’t have an experienced runner on their roster, and Brown is the best option for them on the open market.

He is a viable commodity, as Brown averaged 3.0 yards per carry in the second half of last season and has shown to be durable by missing only five games the last three seasons. Brown can also run the Wildcat formation and could prosper in the right passing scheme.

Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game on December 19, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Ahmad Bradshaw has played the NFL’s waiting game perfectly, patiently sitting behind Brandon Jacobs only to shine when called upon in the backup role. You have to love his passion for football, as Bradshaw worked his way up the New York Giants' depth chart to become a starter last season. He has excellent speed, power and great vision on the field.

The only knock on Bradshaw’s game is his lack of ball security; he has had a bad case of fumblitis throughout his career.

Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Ricky Williams #34 of the Miami Dolphins walks down the tunnel for their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 28, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Yes, Ricky Williams still has some life left in his legs and could make a significant contribution to any team that wishes to sign him. Scouts project him to have at least two more seasons of productivity left as a feature back.

Williams has taken very good care of himself and conserved the amount of hits his body takes in a game. The one attribute you have to love about him is that he gets better as the game progresses. Plus, Williams loves to wear down the opposing defense with his aggressive running style.

The bottom line is Ricky can still run.

Jerome Harrison, Philadelphia Eagles

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Jerome Harrison #33 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball against the Houston Texans at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Coming into 2010, Jerome Harrison believed he was going to be Cleveland’s feature back after his break-out season in 2009. He rushed for 862 yards with five touchdowns in seven starts and proved to be a viable option coming out of the backfield in the passing game.

It just didn’t happen though, as the sudden emergence of Peyton Hillis made him expendable in Cleveland, and he wasn’t a great fit either in Philadelphia’s West Coast offense. Harrison can excel in an offense that features the running game because he runs over defenders and also has the speed to break a play on the outside for a touchdown.

Mike Hart, Indianapolis Colts

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 10: Mike Hart #32 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the football against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Chiefs 19-9. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty

Mike Hart isn’t a glamorous choice in the free agent market because he’s labeled "injury-prone." He must convince a team to bring him into training camp, then go out and win a roster position.

A more-balanced offensive team could be the perfect match for Hart, as he could show off his hidden running talents. Remember that he was the feature back in Michigan’s high-powered running attack during college.

Jason Snelling, Atlanta Falcons

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Jason Snelling #44 of the Atlanta Falcons walks the sideline against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-21. (Photo by

Jason Snelling is a legitimate candidate for a starting position in the NFL. He can run, block and catch the football.  

I can’t see the Atlanta Falcons letting him leave via free agency because of the uncertainty surrounding Michael Turner playing a full season. Snelling can fit into any offensive philosophy and has excelled on special teams in the past.

Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 02: Jerious Norwood #32 of the Atlanta Falcons runs for yardage during a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 2, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Jerious Norwood is a great bargain-basement selection from the free agent market because he could immediately become a second or third option in any team’s offense.

His running style could also flourish in a run-first scheme, as Norwood could be the lightning to a bigger back’s thunder. Plus, he can make a contribution on special teams as a returner.