There’s some talent at running back this year. Probably there will be 4-5 guys who’ll move who wind up getting decent touches with their new teams. There are multiple backs who look capable in tandems, and a handful of options who can fill in on third downs.
1. DeMarco Murray, Dall. (26 years old)
A franchise runner, but he benefitted last year from running behind the league’s best offensive line. The Cowboys would like to re-sign him, of course, and they probably will. But they’ve also got to re-sign Dez Bryant, and wide receivers have longer careers than running backs. There are cap considerations, and the Cowboys might try to get cute if Adrian Peterson becomes a free agent (and I believe he’ll shake free from Minnesota). Dallas potentially could let Murray sign elsewhere, then bring in Peterson to flat-out kick butt behind that great offensive line.
2. Mark Ingram, N.O. (25)
He’s been a disappointment for most of his time in New Orleans, but he came on nicely last year, consistently picking up yards after contact. He ran harder and more effectively than he has in the past.
3. Ryan Mathews, S.D. (27)
He’s an effective, well-rounded back, but he’s had problems staying healthy. Five years into his career, he’s missed 20 of 80 games.
4. C.J. Spiller, Buff. (27)
At times I see him and think he’s going to be another Marshall Faulk. Really fast, and a great pass catcher. But he’s never quite made it over the hump, and he’s had problems staying healthy. Generally got outplayed by Fred Jackson in Buffalo.
5. Shane Vereen, N.E. (25)
Quality pass catcher, as evidenced by his 11 catches in the Super Bowl. Can run receiver-type routes. But definitely in the Sproles-Woodhead third-down back class. Not a guy who’ll ever be used in a heavy duty role.
6. Justin Forsett, Balt. (29)
Forsett was arguably the league’s most pleasant surprise last year, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. But he’s 29 and doesn’t have great size or speed. More notably, he might not fit as well into their new offense. They lost Gary Kubiak, who heavily emphasized a zone-blocking scheme, and they replaced him with Marc Trestman, who tends to use his running backs as pass catchers. Forte caught over 100 passes last year in Chicago. Forsett might be a below-average pass-catching back.
7. Ahmad Bradshaw, Ind. (28)
Runs damn hard for his size and has some sneaky receiving ability. He caught 6 TDs in 10 games last year. He’s only 28 years old. But he has problems staying healthy, with 25 missed games in the last four years. Probably will re-sign with the Colts and share time with somebody.
8. Stevan Ridley, N.E. (26)
He tore his ACL in the middle of last year. Otherwise, the Patriots probably would never have signed LeGarrette Blount, and it would have been Ridley serving as the main ball carrier for the Super Bowl champs. A poor receiver, and he’s had problems with fumbles at times. Probably will sign somewhere as part of a one-two punch backfield.
9. Knowshon Moreno, Mia. (27)
He carried 24 times for 134 yards in the season opener last year against New England. He has better vision and instincts than Lamar Miller, who ended up being the team’s leading rusher after Moreno dislocated his elbow and then tore his ACL. Moreno is only 27 years old, so it’s possible he can get back to full strength and become a starter again.
10. Frank Gore, S.F. (31)
He’s been a great back, but he’s 31 and he’s taken a beating over the years. The 49ers drafted Carlos Hyde, and he’ll probably be their starter this year.
11. Roy Helu Jr., Wash. (26)
A serviceable No. 2 back who can also play on passing downs. Caught 42 passes last year.
12. Chris Johnson, NYJ (29)
He’s not technically a free agent yet, but he will be. The Jets will cut him. He hasn’t run hard enough or effectively enough that anybody will offer him much of a contract.
13. Antone Smith, Atl. (29)
He’s 29 and coming off a broken leg, but he’s been remarkably explosive. He’s handled the ball only 43 times in the last two years yet has scored 7 TDs on runs and catches, all over 30 yards. Not big enough or rugged enough to be a starter.
14. Darren McFadden, Oak. (27)
Has some speed, and he’s made some plays here and there throughout his career. Only 27. But inconsistent, runs high and has been plagued by injuries. Would be better suited for a part-time role off the bench.
15. Ray Rice, UFA (28)
Signing Rice means creating a lot of distractions and off-field problems that need to be handled. As poorly as he played in 2013 (when he averaged only 3.1 yards per attempt) you have to wonder if any team feels he’s worth those kind of headaches.
16. Jacquizz Rodgers, Atl. (25)
He’s been the No. 2 back for the Falcons the last few years, but he hasn’t done enough. The size and speed just aren’t there.
17. Ben Tate, Pitt. (26)
He was supposed to be the starter last year in Cleveland, but he was decisively outplayed by their two rookies, Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. The Browns cut him. The Vikings picked him up and did the same.
18. Daniel Thomas, Mia. (27)
Backup with some third-down ability.
19. DuJuan Harris, G.B. (26)
Green Bay’s third-string tailback last year. Had a couple of decent games late in the 2012 season.
20. Bilal Powell, Jets. (26)
Can play on third downs.
Others:
Ronnie Brown, Leon Washington, Jonathan Dwyer, Joe McKnight, Cedric Peerman.
—Ian Allan