The free agency period is starting off with a bang. Teams are spending left and right and there will be no slowing down. We saw some major and surprising signings by teams on day one. I’m sure that will not change over the course of the next few weeks.
The running back position is thin these days due to the structure of the NFL offense nowadays. It is a strong passing league and the dependence on quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends are detrimental in a successful offense. The running back position is not as coveted as it used to be but they are still needed and can be big for a team if they need to power the ball through the line or run down the clock by gaining some big yards to extend the drive. Teams will be looking for these types of players in free agency and today we look at some signings and rumors that are floating around the NFL.
Saints extend Pierre Thomas
Saints signed running back Pierre Thomas to a two-year extension through 2016.
The Saints dangled Thomas in trade talks, but wound up using this extension to lower his cap number instead. Expect a reduced role in 2014 while Khiry Robinson and Mark Ingram ascend. Thomas, now 29, finished 2013 with 147 carries for 549 yards and two touchdowns while adding 77 receptions. He'll remain a low-ceiling, late-round flier in re-draft leagues. Robinson offers the most upside.
Browns hosting visit for Ben Tate
Reports have been made that the Browns are hosting Ben Tate for a free agent visit. The Browns are in need of a running back and Tate is arguable the best one on the market.
The free agent market has been established for running backs at three years, $10.5 million which is what Toby Gerhart and Donald Brown both received. Tate is still only 25 years old, and could be more willing to play on a one year, "prove it" deal as a feature back in Cleveland. He also needs to "prove" to teams that he can stay healthy for 16 games. Kyle Shanahan's rushing attack would be an excellent fit for his running skills.
Toby Gerhart to the Jags
Jaguars signed RB Toby Gerhart to a three-year, $10.5 million contract. The hefty deal includes $4.5 million guaranteed, ensuring that Gerhart will run ahead of current running back Jordan Todman as the Jags 2014 starter. Free agent Maurice Jones-Drew is now headed out the door.
It's putting a ton of faith in Gerhart, a four year backup that excels in pass protection but has very little wiggle or burst to his game. With Chad Henne at quarterback, there aren't going to be very many short yardage touchdown opportunities.
Jest interested in Maurice Jones-Drew
Jones-Drew won't be returning to Jacksonville after the Jags gave Toby Gerhart $4.5 million guaranteed. He'd be a nice addition to a Jets backfield without a reliable back. Chris Ivory is injury prone, while Mike Goodson is recovering from a torn ACL.
Jones-Drew is very much on the down slope with his age creeping up on him. He's not going to get as much money as Gerhart but could play a bigger role in getting a team to the playoffs.
Donald Brown from Colt to Bolt
Chargers agreed to terms with running back Donald Brown, formerly of the Colts, on a three-year, $10.5 million contract. The deal includes $4 million guaranteed. With the Chargers already having Danny Woodhead and Ryan Mathews, this one is a definite head scratcher. Mathews is coming off a breakout year, while Woodhead is due just $1.75 million after another strong season.
The Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco is the Colts' former VP of football operations. He obviously loves what he sees in Brown even though he seemed like a lost cause until picking up the slack from an underachieving Trent Richardson. His role on the team will be tough to figure out since Mathews and Woodhead are the Chargers one-two.
Raiders re-sign McFadden
Darren McFadden's agent says his client turned down more money elsewhere to re-sign with the Raiders. There was supposedly interest from at least four other teams in McFadden but he wanted to remain a Raider to prove that he hasn’t lost it to the fans and believes he has the best chance to revive his sputtering career in Oakland. For now, he only has to beat out raw yet intriguing sophomore Latavius Murray for the starting gig. Rashad Jennings has signed with the Giants.
Giants nab Hillis and Jennings
Peyton Hillis' contract with the Giants only contains $100,000 in guaranteed money.
Hillis' deal was reported as two years and $1.8 million, but that means very little. He's going to have to earn a spot on the team at training camp, against fellow signee Rashad Jennings. Hillis averaged just 3.4 yards per carry last season on 73 touches.
When taking a closer look, Rashad Jennings is most likely expected to be the Giants number one back. David Wilson is a major question mark with his neck injury, Peyton Hillis is added depth and Andre Brown is long gone.
Jennings has never entered a season as a feature back, but has shown reasonably well when given opportunities. He has 387 carries for 1,677 yards with 13 touchdowns and 97 catches for 746 yards in a four year career. A reliable non-fumbler and pass protector for Tom Coughlin, Jennings can be penciled in as a feature back.