Quarterback Free Agents Analysis

Running Backs Who Should Get Starter Consideration

Brandon Jacobs/New York Giants/UFA - The mammoth back has surprisingly good feet and he'll run anyone over in his path. Jacobs has already proven he's capable of being a starting back but past injuries are a concern. Some around the league believe he needs to be in a two-back system and he fits best in a power running game.


Derrick Ward/New York Giants/UFA - The former seventh-round pick of the New York Jets has been outstanding the last two years in his role as the backup for Brandon Jacobs. Ward is a big back who runs well and he also has surprising versatility. He does a good job of running inside and gets to the second level well, but the one negative is that he turns 29 in August so he's probably looking at a short-term deal.


Others Who Could Find Interest For Backup Purposes

Rudi Johnson/Detroit Lions/UFA - The former starter for the Cincinnati Bengals is working on a one-year deal. Teams really see him as a No. 2 back at this point of his career and he fits with a team that uses a power running game.

LaMont Jordan/New England Patriots/UFA - At this point in his career, Jordan could handle a No. 2 role. He can play in a variety of systems because of his ability to catch the ball.

Maurice Morris/Seattle Seahawks/UFA - He won the starting job over Julius Jones coming out of the preseason but Morris suffered a sprained knee shortly after the regular season starter. Morris has good versatility and fits in as a No. 2 back in a West Coast system.

DeShaun Foster/San Francisco 49ers/UFA - Foster offers decent versatility for a team that likes to throw the football.

Correll Buckhalter/Philadelphia Eagles/UFA - He's been pretty healthy for almost two seasons and Buckhalter has shown that he can be an excellent No. 2 back. He has surprising versatility as well.

Michael Pittman/Denver Broncos/UFA - Pittman has shown this season that he still has something left in the tank. He is capable of handling a No. 2 role as well as handling a third-down role.

Dominic Rhodes/Indianapolis Colts/UFA - He's been able to revive his career this season after a poor stint with the Oakland Raiders last year.

Darren Sproles/San Diego Chargers/UFA - He's a bit small but Sproles is an excellent kickoff returner and he's capable of handling a change of pace role.

Jason Wright/Cleveland Browns/UFA - He fits in best with a team that runs a power rushing scheme.

J.J. Arrington/Arizona Cardinals/UFA - The former second-round pick can handle kickoff returns and fits in as a third back.

Aaron Stecker/New Orleans Saints/UFA - The veteran back fits in as a second or third back and his versatility offers teams a role in passing situations.