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BUYERS market for Running Backs in the NFL (1 Viewer)

GRIDIRON ASSASSIN

Footballguy
I'm sure the ViQueens and Bills think they're in the cat birds seat with more than one quality running back, with hopes of dealing one of them.... (and perhaps Indy or Seattle feels they could deal one of their starting or backup RBs as well).I've got bad new for 'em....There are quite a few Running Backs in this year's draft, and also quite a few unrestricted free agents. Unrestricted Free Agents (pretty sure they're all unrestricted):Edgerrin James Shaun AlexanderLamont Jordan Rudi JohnsonDerrick BlaylockAmos ZereoueAnthony ThomasRon DayneCorrell BuckhalterJ.R. Redmond Old turds who will probably be cut:Eddie GeorgeEmmitt Smith And likely early round draft picks:Cedric BensonCarnell WilliamsRonnie BrownJJ ArringtonKay-Jay HarrisDeAngelo Williamsand mid-rounders:Maurice ClarettMarion BarberCiatrick FasonVernand MorencyEric SheltonRyan MoatsT.A. McLendonIf my math is correct, that's 20+ quality running backs right there.... BUYERS MARKET!

 
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Henry is signed for peanuts next year, so that gives him a lot more value. A team that is close to the cap that needs a RB might trade a 2nd rounder for him.

 
Henry is signed for peanuts next year, so that gives him a lot more value. A team that is close to the cap that needs a RB might trade a 2nd rounder for him.
If they want an injury prone RB that likes little girls.I doubt he'd net much more than a late 2nd rounder, early 3rd rounder tops.When's he up for free agency?
 
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However, As an econ major I know you can't just look at supply in a vaccuum to determine price. You consider what the demand will be like as well.Not all the guys you listed are starter material, so we're considering who's in the market for RBs, not just starters. Just based on that UFA list, you've got the followingIND - Even if they let james go and think Rhodes can stay healthy, they probably want competition/backup other than plodder James Mungro.SEA - Will want backup/competition for MoMoNYJ - Martin is no spring chicken. With Jordan gone they will need a backup/heir apparent.CIN - They don't know if Perry can even get onto the field. They certainly won't go with just him. I wonder if they might look at another RB even if they keep Rudi.KC -OK with Priest and LJ. However, if the Padre were to retire...OAK - probably needs at least 2 solid RBs(you've got Alexander twice)NYG - I'm not as familiar with thier situation, but just the fact that Dayne was in the picture at the beginning of the season tells me they might want to look at improving their backup situation.PHI - This team has been hanging on a prayer that Westbrook stays alive. Levens is an aging stopgap. They will be players for at least one big back.DAL - on the record saying they want a big back to share the load with JJAZ - I doubt Denny trusts Shipp to stay healthy. Not sure what he thinks about him in general considering he benched him last summer. Need 1 premium back and possibly a solid backup Now who else may look at RB?SF - If Barlow stays, they may want someone else to at least push from the backup besides HicksSTL- If Faulk happens to retire, they may want to get Jackson's backup in house.DET - if the Pinner experiment is over, they may want a backupCHI - New backup after Thomas leavesCAR - May be looking depending on injury situationsTB - definitely been looking NO - Stecker did ok for a game but may consider a new backup to DeuceMIA - I don't know how enamored The Nick will be with Lamar Gordon and Co. They could be looking again.HOU - Hollings can't stay healthy. Looking for at least a backup if they think Dom can carry the load.TEN - Not sure how much longer they will rely on Antowain as backup and that's IF brown stays healthy. May look for the Heir Apparent.PIT - If bettis is retiring soon, may want new blood behind HaynesCLE - probably depends on the new staff's opinions on Willie G. Put the whole thing together and there may be 20 teams entertaining the thought of a new RB, at least in a backup capacity (which is in line with the quality of some of the RB you listed). I don't think the market will be strong for those RBs, but I also don't think it will be as weak as you seem to indicate. If you consider relative talent and experience, the guys up for trades could be fairly high on someone's list if some of the top guys get franchised or resign with their teams. The teams really looking for an impact player could be willing to trade something of value to get them instead of a lower level player or an unproven draftee.

 
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And likely early round draft picks:Cedric BensonCarnell WilliamsRonnie BrownJJ ArringtonKay-Jay HarrisDeAngelo Williamsand mid-rounders:Maurice ClarettMarion BarberCiatrick FasonVernand MorencyEric SheltonRyan MoatsT.A. McLendonIf my math is correct, that's 20+ quality running backs right there.... BUYERS MARKET!
You mention Clarett, but no Cedric Houston?
Ya, that's exactly what I did.
 
Actually, I don't think one is better than the other, I just left Houston off...I didn't realize that ommission would detract from the point of this thread.I could add him if you guys want me to.

 
Only one team needs a RB and that is Miami who is going into next season with only Gordon. Miami can't afford to draft a RB with their #1 pick since they don't have a #2. They will likely try to trade down and look to sign a FA RB.

Oakland (Wheatley/Fargas) and Arizona (Shipp/Smith) could really use a RB, but they are not desperate enough to draft one in the top 10. I can easily see Oakland and Arizona both passing up a RB in the first round with the hopes that most of the good ones slide to their 2nd round pick.

With UFA's like Lamont Jordan, Rudi Johnson, Derrick Blaylock, Amos Zereoue, Anthony Thomas and Correll Buckhalter, there's little reason to use a draft pick on a RB when there are talented guys available that won't cost a pick.

 
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Actually, I don't think one is better than the other, I just left Houston off...I didn't realize that ommission would detract from the point of this thread.I could add him if you guys want me to.
No biggie, I thought by your reply that you meant to leave him off. I think Houston has some decent potential so he could be a big steal in the draft.
 
Let's try this again with names that make sense. We'll start with demand.Teams that DEFINITELY need a RB upgrade:These are teams that need an improvement at the RB position, no arguments. All of these teams would do better with the average NFL backup RB.Oakland RaidersCleveland BrownsMiami DolphinsArizona CardinalsSan Francisco 49ersTeams that COULD use a RB upgrade, but not necessarily:All of these teams have average NFL starter RBs, but none have proven themselves complete backs. Could use an upgrade, but can sit tight with the starter if the prices are too high.Houston TexansPhiladelphia EaglesTampa Bay BuccaneersCarolina PanthersTeams that MIGHT need a RB due to free agency.Indianapolis ColtsSeattle SeahawksCincinnati BengalsSo I see 5 teams with strong demand at RB and 4 teams that could generate interest with the right FA. Indy is on record saying Edge will be franchised, so that leaves Seattle needing to bring someone in if SA leaves. That's more or less the teams that would most heavily be involved in shopping for a new RB.Here's the list of top starter's quality RBs on the market in 2005:Shaun AlexanderEdgerrin JamesRudi JohnsonThat's it. That's the list of proven quality starters on the FA market for 2005. If you're from that list of 5 teams that needs a RB upgrade and you want a top notch RB, it's a sellers' market, not a buyers' market. If any of those teams from the 2nd list decide to actively pursue another RB, that's even better for the top notch FAs. If all three of these RBs re-sign with their original teams, the teams at the top of the list are ####ed.Here's the list of probably average quality starting RBs on the market in 2005:Anthony ThomasSome list huh? He's a proven starting RB with some moderate injury history. He won't command a top notch price, but teams in that 2nd list could be interested due to his past performance and cheaper price tag. If SA, Edge and Rudi all re-sign, he should be the most coveted FA RB and could command a rather nice price.Here's the list of guys who are maybes. We really don't know what they can do outside of a game here and a game there.Derrick BlaylockLaMont JordanCorrell BuckhalterNot a list of names I'd want to build my team around. They are best suited to being brought in to the 2nd tier of teams to compete for the starters job. Loser is a solid backup.Why the hell Ron Dayne was even mentioned in this thread is beyond me. A backup sure, but we're talking about the trade value of guys like Henry, Bennett and Onterrio who are far above Ron Dayne. Dayne has little to no impact in the FA RB market. The market for Bennett/Henry looks pretty good to me. We can't even comment on the draft until the biggest parts of FA and RB trades are done. Once some of these RB positions start to be filled, then we'll have a better idea of how many late 1st and 2nd round RBs there will be, not vice versa as you presented.

 
I agree with your FA list, but as for the draft picks most teams would rather have a fairly young proven back in the NFL then take a chance on an unproven draft pick if they can get them for the right price.

 
With UFA's like Lamont Jordan, Rudi Johnson, Derrick Blaylock, Amos Zereoue, Anthony Thomas and Correll Buckhalter, there's little reason to use a draft pick on a RB when there are talented guys available that won't cost a pick.
Proven talent? I'll take Henry!!
 
Edgerrin James Shaun AlexanderLamont Jordan Rudi JohnsonDerrick BlaylockAmos ZereoueAnthony ThomasRon DayneCorrell BuckhalterJ.R. Redmond
With the exception of Shaun alexander, these players are either staying with their team(James and Rudi) or are garbage(the rest of the list)As far as the rookies, its not much different than any other years rookie class.
 
KRS....I'm not so sure the Browns DEFINITELY need an upgrade at RB.Behind a pretty crappy O-Line, and with lousy QBs, Lee Suggs gained over 100+ ypg rushing in the last three games.San Diego: 21/105 5.0 yd average@Miami: 38/143 3.8 yd average@Houston: 26/131 5.0 yd average

 
Here's the list of top starter's quality RBs on the market in 2005:Shaun AlexanderEdgerrin JamesRudi JohnsonThat's it. That's the list of proven quality starters on the FA market for 2005.
Where is Henry....A proven starter!!
 
Edgerrin James Shaun AlexanderLamont Jordan Rudi JohnsonDerrick BlaylockAmos ZereoueAnthony ThomasRon DayneCorrell BuckhalterJ.R. Redmond
With the exception of Shaun alexander, these players are either staying with their team(James and Rudi) or are garbage(the rest of the list)As far as the rookies, its not much different than any other years rookie class.
So Blaylock and Lamont Jordan are garbage eh?I don't think so...
 
Edgerrin James Shaun AlexanderLamont Jordan Rudi JohnsonDerrick BlaylockAmos ZereoueAnthony ThomasRon DayneCorrell BuckhalterJ.R. Redmond
With the exception of Shaun alexander, these players are either staying with their team(James and Rudi) or are garbage(the rest of the list)As far as the rookies, its not much different than any other years rookie class.
So Blaylock and Lamont Jordan are garbage eh?I don't think so...
OK, of that list of "garbage" Jordan has the best chance of being successful(although i tend to think he is overrated). As far as Blaylock, yes, he is garbage. Put him anywhere else other than KC, or maybe Denver, and he will prove that he is indeed junk.
 
KRS....I'm not so sure the Browns DEFINITELY need an upgrade at RB.Behind a pretty crappy O-Line, and with lousy QBs, Lee Suggs gained over 100+ ypg rushing in the last three games.San Diego: 21/105 5.0 yd average@Miami: 38/143 3.8 yd average@Houston: 26/131 5.0 yd average
Well if all you can do is look at what a RB does the last 3 games and declare him good because of that... well good luck with that. In fact, it seems like Cleveland has been good for that lately. ####ty RB play and some late game surges. Suggs has done it twice and Willie Green did it his rookie year.
 
KRS....I'm not so sure the Browns DEFINITELY need an upgrade at RB.Behind a pretty crappy O-Line, and with lousy QBs, Lee Suggs gained over 100+ ypg rushing in the last three games.San Diego: 21/105 5.0 yd average@Miami: 38/143 3.8 yd average@Houston: 26/131 5.0 yd average
Well if all you can do is look at what a RB does the last 3 games and declare him good because of that... well good luck with that. In fact, it seems like Cleveland has been good for that lately. ####ty RB play and some late game surges. Suggs has done it twice and Willie Green did it his rookie year.
He was just contradicting you saying the Browns "definetly need an upgrade" What do you base your assesment of Suggs being a below average RB on?
 
KRS....I'm not so sure the Browns DEFINITELY need an upgrade at RB.Behind a pretty crappy O-Line, and with lousy QBs, Lee Suggs gained over 100+ ypg rushing in the last three games.San Diego: 21/105 5.0 yd average@Miami: 38/143 3.8 yd average@Houston: 26/131 5.0 yd average
Well if all you can do is look at what a RB does the last 3 games and declare him good because of that... well good luck with that. In fact, it seems like Cleveland has been good for that lately. ####ty RB play and some late game surges. Suggs has done it twice and Willie Green did it his rookie year.
Yes, but now they got rid of Butch, who 1) may have dragged the team down, and 2) was the biggest fan of William Green. A new coach may make Suggs a stud runner. He had the talent in college. I agree that late season surges aren't very reliable, though.
 
Grid, while I agree with your reasoning that this is a buyer's market, the number of 20+ capable FA/Rookie RBs is a little out there.While there are quite a few FA/rookie RBs available, the potential advantage of trading for a RB is that player may have a favorable contract ... Thorpe mentioned this for Henry.

 
viking RBs are cheap(well some). Ya don't think they have a handful of 4 million dollar backs on their roster do ya? Cost/talent ratio they're still quite marketable

 
Let's try this again with names that make sense. We'll start with demand.Teams that DEFINITELY need a RB upgrade:These are teams that need an improvement at the RB position, no arguments. All of these teams would do better with the average NFL backup RB.Oakland RaidersCleveland BrownsMiami DolphinsArizona CardinalsSan Francisco 49ersTeams that COULD use a RB upgrade, but not necessarily:All of these teams have average NFL starter RBs, but none have proven themselves complete backs. Could use an upgrade, but can sit tight with the starter if the prices are too high.Houston TexansPhiladelphia EaglesTampa Bay BuccaneersCarolina Panthers
Hate to say it, but I've got arguments with half of your "no argument" teams you say DEFINITELY need upgrades.Miami has Lamar Gordon and they don't really know what he can do yet. I wouldn't bother getting another back if I were them until they saw what they had.Cleveland is totally fine at RB - they have much bigger fish to fry.The 9ers could use a back, but they probably won't go get one. They just spent a fair amount of dough to sign Barlow to be their "franchise back". Everybody now knows it was a mistake, but I'm not sure they are going to admit it and sign someone else.The Eagles DEFINITELY don't need an "upgrade" at RB. Westbrook is one of the best runners out there. He may need some help - a complementary guy, but the Eagles aren't going to find a "better" back in the free agent market.The Panthers have Foster, maybe (doubtfully in my mind, but maybe) Davis, and Goings makes a solid backup. They don't need a free agent back. They may pick one up in the draft, but they don't need an immediate starter.As for the available options, I think Lamont Jordan is top-notch (IMO better than Thomas and Rudi, but I may be in the minority) so I think you are discounting him a bit too much.
 
Half of the half you had arguments with weren't on my MUST upgrade list.Lamar Gordon? You're gonna build a team around him? He was nothing special when he played for the Rams and now he's on the Dolphins. Something about 1.2 ypa against the Bengals makes me think he can't be that good either. RB isn't the biggest need for the Dolphins, but they DO need someone. They might have someone with Minor/Morris but the best you could argue is they move down to the COULD use an upgrade category.Cleveland is totally fine at RB? Much bigger fish to fry? Well they need an entirely new team. DBs, Dline, oline, QB, WRs... yeah, but RB is on that list too.I never said the Eagles DEFINITELY need an upgrade, I said they COULD use an upgrade. I also said they could stand pat with their current RB because he's a good option considering his price. They at least need a complimentary back, and full upgrade over Westy wouldn't hurt either.Same goes for Carolina. You're arguing against teams I said COULD use an upgrade but might be able to stand pat as is. You're saying Edgerrin James at the right price isn't better than the options they have now?I'm not discounting Jordan too much. I lumped him into the guys who have never been a full-time starter but might have some upside. You're not gonna pay him top dollar. He's the kind of guy you'd bring into Carolina to see if he can compete. I never said all of these teams WILL go after guys, but they are the teams that should be. The list is big enough that there will be good interest in the top RB FAs, contrary to what Grid said. He was listing off every RB he could think of, including RBs that hadn't even been drafted yet, which made little to no sense.

 
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Half of the half you had arguments with weren't on my MUST upgrade list.
The first three I mentioned were on your "no argument" list, so yeah, 3 out of 5 are hardly "definite upgrade" situations in my book.
Lamar Gordon? You're gonna build a team around him? He was nothing special when he played for the Rams and now he's on the Dolphins. Something about 1.2 ypa against the Bengals makes me think he can't be that good either. RB isn't the biggest need for the Dolphins, but they DO need someone.
You are basing your opinion of Lamar Gordon on his performance against the Bengals? You do realize he wasn't even expected to PLAY in that game because he had just joined the team that very week right? You also realize he caught 8 balls for 44 yards in that game right? And you realize that everybody's love child Willis McGahee ran for a 2.2 average against the Benglas right? Does that mean Willis McGahee is never going to amount to anything in the NFL?
I never said all of these teams WILL go after guys, but they are the teams that should be. The list is big enough that there will be good interest in the top RB FAs, contrary to what Grid said. He was listing off every RB he could think of, including RBs that hadn't even been drafted yet, which made little to no sense.
Actually it makes a fair amount of sense. There are several good free agents out there (Thomas, Jordan, Rudi, Alexander) and several decent looking draft prospects in the 2005 class (I have no idea why you seem to think that won't play a role in the demand for RBs via trade). The demand is not NEARLY what you make it out to be because most of the teams on your list need other positions MORE than they need a RB. So all in all, I agree with Grid that teams won't be lining up around the block to give up players/picks for guys whose teams don't want them anymore.
 
I never said the Eagles DEFINITELY need an upgrade, I said they COULD use an upgrade. I also said they could stand pat with their current RB because he's a good option considering his price. They at least need a complimentary back, and full upgrade over Westy wouldn't hurt either.
I'm not sure what you mean by "a full upgrade couldn't hurt"....Westbeez is the perfect fit in the Eagles offense. Any Eagle will be the first to say how invaluble Westbeez is as both a RB and a reciving target for D-Nasty. In my opinion...there is no complete "upgrade" for Westbeez because of all the things he does for the Birds offense.The Birds will be in the market for a RB, someone to backup and take a couple carries for Westbeez from time to time. But if anything, i see the Birds addressing this need through the draft and not signing anyone big or giving up draft picks for someone.
 
I never said the Eagles DEFINITELY need an upgrade, I said they COULD use an upgrade. I also said they could stand pat with their current RB because he's a good option considering his price. They at least need a complimentary back, and full upgrade over Westy wouldn't hurt either.
I'm not sure what you mean by "a full upgrade couldn't hurt"....Westbeez is the perfect fit in the Eagles offense. Any Eagle will be the first to say how invaluble Westbeez is as both a RB and a reciving target for D-Nasty. In my opinion...there is no complete "upgrade" for Westbeez because of all the things he does for the Birds offense.The Birds will be in the market for a RB, someone to backup and take a couple carries for Westbeez from time to time. But if anything, i see the Birds addressing this need through the draft and not signing anyone big or giving up draft picks for someone.
I agree here, I think the Birds will look to add another back, probably someone with more conventional size and an inside runner, although Reid ABSOLUTELY requires a back to be able to catch the ball at least marginally well.
 
Let's try this again with names that make sense. We'll start with demand.Teams that DEFINITELY need a RB upgrade:These are teams that need an improvement at the RB position, no arguments. All of these teams would do better with the average NFL backup RB.Oakland RaidersCleveland BrownsMiami DolphinsArizona CardinalsSan Francisco 49ersTeams that COULD use a RB upgrade, but not necessarily:All of these teams have average NFL starter RBs, but none have proven themselves complete backs. Could use an upgrade, but can sit tight with the starter if the prices are too high.Houston TexansPhiladelphia EaglesTampa Bay BuccaneersCarolina Panthers
Hate to say it, but I've got arguments with half of your "no argument" teams you say DEFINITELY need upgrades.Miami has Lamar Gordon and they don't really know what he can do yet. I wouldn't bother getting another back if I were them until they saw what they had.Cleveland is totally fine at RB - they have much bigger fish to fry.The 9ers could use a back, but they probably won't go get one. They just spent a fair amount of dough to sign Barlow to be their "franchise back". Everybody now knows it was a mistake, but I'm not sure they are going to admit it and sign someone else.The Eagles DEFINITELY don't need an "upgrade" at RB. Westbrook is one of the best runners out there. He may need some help - a complementary guy, but the Eagles aren't going to find a "better" back in the free agent market.The Panthers have Foster, maybe (doubtfully in my mind, but maybe) Davis, and Goings makes a solid backup. They don't need a free agent back. They may pick one up in the draft, but they don't need an immediate starter.As for the available options, I think Lamont Jordan is top-notch (IMO better than Thomas and Rudi, but I may be in the minority) so I think you are discounting him a bit too much.
Please scratch Houston from that list too. Davis is doing well and Wells has demonstrated that he's a capable back-up. I'm sure they haven't given up on Hollings yet either.
 
Here's the list of top starter's quality RBs on the market in 2005:Shaun AlexanderEdgerrin JamesRudi JohnsonThat's it. That's the list of proven quality starters on the FA market for 2005.
Where is Henry....A proven starter!!
Henry is not a free agent, he has 1 more year on his contract
 
Grid, while I agree with your reasoning that this is a buyer's market, the number of 20+ capable FA/Rookie RBs is a little out there.While there are quite a few FA/rookie RBs available, the potential advantage of trading for a RB is that player may have a favorable contract ... Thorpe mentioned this for Henry.
Agreed. Let's focus on starting-caliber RBs only -- I'm sure a dozen or more teams could use an improvement at backup RB, but only a handful are going to upgrade their starters, and there are only a handful of clear starting RBs available.Clear starting-caliber players:Shaun AlexanderEdge JamesRudi JohnsonTravis Henry (trade)Maybes:BlaylockJordanThomasBensonWilliamsI don't think any of the other players on Grid's list can be impact players in 2005.Teams needing a RB (including teams with incumbents eligible for FA):IndySeattle (Morris unproven)Cincy (Perry unproven)Miami (can do better than Gordon/Morris)Oakland (Norv Turner is probably dying for a feature back)Arizona (Smith probably retiring, Shipp in the doghouse)Teams that may want a new starting RB but is not their highest priority:San Fran (depends if the new coach like Barlow)Cleveland (ditto with Suggs)Teams that will want a good backup because of questions to the starterPhilly (Westbrook injury history)NYJ (Martin age)Buffalo (if Henry is traded)SF CleveSomeone listed Carolina and Houston, but I think both teams are satified with their current roster. Or should be.So basically we are talking about 9 solid players for 9-11 teams. I don't see this being a buyer's market. It may be a buyer's market for backup-caliber RBs, but that's mostly because of the number of quality RBs in the draft. Right now I only see Benson and Williams as able to start on Day 1, but other draftniks please feel free to pipe up if you disagree.
 
Cleveland is totally fine at RB? Much bigger fish to fry? Well they need an entirely new team. DBs, Dline, oline, QB, WRs... yeah, but RB is on that list too.Same goes for Carolina. You're arguing against teams I said COULD use an upgrade but might be able to stand pat as is. You're saying Edgerrin James at the right price isn't better than the options they have now?
Good list overall, but there is a huge disconnect in people's opinions of Lee Suggs and William Green. A few place Suggs in the top 10 for dynasty, while others see this as a need. Personally, I think this is their 2nd strongest position, after TE.Carolina is fine with Foster, Goings, and the rest. Sure Foster has injury problems, but they don't need to add another back just yet. Again, they have bigger fish to fry, but if the right player fell to them late in the draft, I'm sure they'll jump on it.Many will think I'm crazy, but I'd add the Chiefs to the list of teams that should jump on the right back mid draft. TRADE LJ, the guy is a headache, and not worth keeping. If they could deal him to Miami for Chambers (or Zach Thomas, or Derrick Pope and a 2006 pick), then draft another RB, they'd be much better off.
 
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Grid, while I agree with your reasoning that this is a buyer's market, the number of 20+ capable FA/Rookie RBs is a little out there.While there are quite a few FA/rookie RBs available, the potential advantage of trading for a RB is that player may have a favorable contract ... Thorpe mentioned this for Henry.
Agreed. Let's focus on starting-caliber RBs only -- I'm sure a dozen or more teams could use an improvement at backup RB, but only a handful are going to upgrade their starters, and there are only a handful of clear starting RBs available.Clear starting-caliber players:Shaun AlexanderEdge JamesRudi JohnsonTravis Henry (trade)Maybes:BlaylockJordanThomasBensonWilliamsI don't think any of the other players on Grid's list can be impact players in 2005.Teams needing a RB (including teams with incumbents eligible for FA):IndySeattle (Morris unproven)Cincy (Perry unproven)Miami (can do better than Gordon/Morris)Oakland (Norv Turner is probably dying for a feature back)Arizona (Smith probably retiring, Shipp in the doghouse)Teams that may want a new starting RB but is not their highest priority:San Fran (depends if the new coach like Barlow)Cleveland (ditto with Suggs)Teams that will want a good backup because of questions to the starterPhilly (Westbrook injury history)NYJ (Martin age)Buffalo (if Henry is traded)SF CleveSomeone listed Carolina and Houston, but I think both teams are satified with their current roster. Or should be.So basically we are talking about 9 solid players for 9-11 teams. I don't see this being a buyer's market. It may be a buyer's market for backup-caliber RBs, but that's mostly because of the number of quality RBs in the draft. Right now I only see Benson and Williams as able to start on Day 1, but other draftniks please feel free to pipe up if you disagree.
I never said 'all' of the guys I listed were bonafide starters, but many of them could be good for a RBBC situation.And my list doesn't include any possible guys that may get cut (ie Stephen Davis).The bottom line, is it's supply and demand. And this year, there is a pretty healthy supply of good RBs for RBBC situation, and it gets even better when you factor in the early round draft prospects.That's all....
 
I agree that its a buyers market. And as for trading for Henry, noone will want to give up a second or even a third for him. Would you rather have Henry and lose your second round pick, or sign a FA (even Thomas would be an upgrade for many of the teams mentioned) and use your pick to fill another need? The only way Henry gets traded is if it is for another player or two, or a player and a lower round pick. With only one more year on his contract, will teams be willing to sign him and risk losing him after one year? IMO, Buffalo lost its chance to get something of value in return for Henry last year when his value was still high.

 
Apparently most NFL pundits agree with my observations made almost a month ago, as I've read the exact term "It's a Buyers Market for Running Backs this offseason"....

 
Apparently most NFL pundits agree with my observations made almost a month ago, as I've read the exact term "It's a Buyers Market for Running Backs this offseason"....
Wow, I bet they REALLY liked my post about it two months ago then:Linky
 
Apparently most NFL pundits agree with my observations made almost a month ago, as I've read the exact term "It's a Buyers Market for Running Backs this offseason"....
NO offense Grid, but this isn't exactly like discovering fire or designing the wheel. Good analysis though. :thumbup:
 
I rest my case.

It was a buyer's market for RBs.
Rudi, Edge and SA were franchished for a cool $8M or so. LaMont Jordan was given a pretty big contract in Oakland to be the starter there. Even Blaylock got a bigger contract as a backup than Thomas Jones got as a starter last year. I don't see the facts supporting your assertion.
 
I rest my case.

It was a buyer's market for RBs.
Rudi, Edge and SA were franchished for a cool $8M or so. LaMont Jordan was given a pretty big contract in Oakland to be the starter there. Even Blaylock got a bigger contract as a backup than Thomas Jones got as a starter last year. I don't see the facts supporting your assertion.
EVERYBODY was chirping about how the Vikings were going to trade a RB, and Travis Henry was gonna get dealt... Why deal for a RB when you can get so many via free agency or in the draft?That's what I was talkin' about.

 
Pastabelly's Tip Sheet agrees:With premier backs such as James and Alexander now available at reduced prices, how are some of the other teams dangling tailbacks as trade bait likely to fare? Uh, probably not too well. The Buffalo Bills still haven't gotten a viable offer for two-time 1,000-yard rusher Travis Henry. The efforts by Denver and Cleveland to trade Reuben Droughns and William Green, respectively, appear dead in the water. Even in free agency, the market for unrestricted players such as Anthony Thomas, a onetime offensive rookie of the year, has been sluggish. As noted last week, the Bills aren't just going to give Henry away. But general manager Tom Donahoe, who had hoped to squeeze a second-round pick out of a team trying to upgrade at tailback, might have to either lower his expectations or get creative. One possibility is swapping Henry for a conditional fourth-round pick that would improve to a second-rounder if he rushed for 1,000 yards.

 
With Jamal Lewis, Shaun Alexander and Edgerrin James free agents - and a few blue chip RBs available in the draft - it's kinda funny how things aren't much different than last season....

 
With Jamal Lewis, Shaun Alexander and Edgerrin James free agents - and a few blue chip RBs available in the draft - it's kinda funny how things aren't much different than last season....
The biggest difference is that all three will most likely hit the open market. Alexander and James were tagged last year, whereas Alexander can't be tagged and James appears like he's a goner [at least based on Polian's non commital statements of late]. And we also know Jam is a goner.Of the three, Jamal is by far the least appealling and should also come the cheapest. He has a LOT to prove though, as he was lazy, injured and unfocused this year after an offseason where the Ravens really stood by the guy while he was in federal prison. I got shredded last offseason for pointing out that Jam is a slightly above average tailback who caught lightning in a bottle for that one year, but now hopefully people realize that Jam is not an elite, top 5 tailback and likely won't recapture that level of productivity regardless of his situation.

 
With Jamal Lewis, Shaun Alexander and Edgerrin James free agents - and a few blue chip RBs available in the draft - it's kinda funny how things aren't much different than last season....
Things aren't going to change on the RB front any time soon. The NFL doesn't value RBs as high as they once may have. They are one of the easiest positions to pick-up and replace the easiest. Its all about supply and demand and right now, the supply is becoming greater than the demand.No one wants to break the bank on a RB, when they can find a fine replacement for a lot cheaper and strengthen the team in other positions.

 
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Let's try this again with names that make sense. We'll start with demand.Teams that DEFINITELY need a RB upgrade:These are teams that need an improvement at the RB position, no arguments. All of these teams would do better with the average NFL backup RB.Oakland RaidersCleveland BrownsMiami DolphinsArizona CardinalsSan Francisco 49ers
Oakland, Cleveland and Miami outright replaced the guy from the previous year AND had him perform significantly better than what they had before. Arizona tried to replace their guy and failed. SFO is up in the air as of today's date.
Houston TexansPhiladelphia EaglesTampa Bay BuccaneersCarolina Panthers
Tampa outright replaced the previous guy to good results.Carolina tried to replace their previous guy (rightly so based on the results of this season) but he got hurt too early to try.Houston apparently is trying to replace their guy this year.Philly showed their guy the money while at the same time hedging their bet by drafting a Westbrookesque RB.
Teams that MIGHT need a RB due to free agency.Indianapolis ColtsSeattle SeahawksCincinnati Bengals
All three of these teams paid top dollar this season to keep their guy.So like I said when I took an opposing stance to the OP, there will be money out there for the top guys. As it turned out, the FAs who got top dollar, got it from their current teams with the lone exception being Lamont Jordan.
 

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