Free Agent RBs, lets try to figure this out (1 Viewer)

[KellysHeroes]

Without knowing the Cap number of the Teams (rarely pay attention since most teams find ways around the cap) this is my best guess to where the FA RBs will go

Ben Tate - honestly I think hes back with the Texans next yr... he'll have a few bites here and there but doubt he'll get offered what he wants. He'll find a soft market and Hou will probably find a way to match most offers for him, they'll need to with Foster in serious decline. Cleveland has been the team tied to his name the most so they could steal him away.

Rashad Jennings - Back with the Raiders in a backup role, They'll offer DMC a lowball contract and Jennings will be the backup plan. If not resigned by Oak then maybe Atl brings him in to pair w/ Quizz / rookie / Snelling (i think Snell is cut this yr). A return to Jax is highly unlikely.

Darren McFadden - Like I said, Oak will make an offer to bring him back for pennies and also should look to cut down his snaps. If DMC resigns then Jennings is going to be on the street a little longer. If not back in Oak I could see the Jets bringing him in for some thunder and lightening. Jax could be a wildcard here as well.

Andre Brown - back to NY

Knowshon Moreno - I think hes the biggest name on the list after the season he had. I don't see Denver keeping him and I think SD will make a big play for him and replace Mathews. Cleveland or Zona are in need of his services as well

Maurice Jones-Drew - not much left in the tank, big name and can make a big play once in a while... smell the classic NE move if no one gives him a decent deal.

Rashard Mendenhall - if Zona isn't interested then he sits for a while and waits for a camp injury

Donald Brown - Pretty sure Indy is going to be interested in re-signing him, if he prices himself out or balks till FA Atl should sweep in here.

Ahmad Bradshaw - done, might get invited back to NYG

LeGarrette Blount - back to NE at their $$

Toby Gerhart - resigned by the Vikes

Joique Bell RFA - Det not letting him leave

Chris Johnson (Rumored to be cut this season) - depends on how nasty this gets but I think Tenn will swallow the pill one more year. The just recorded his 6th straight 1000 rushing yard season, never hurt and rarely fumbles; however if he is released there will be a couple of suitors out there... Cleveland should have their fingers crossed.

Needs -

Cle - no NFL worthy RB there.

Oak - Both primary RBs are FAs

SD - just can't count on Mathews

Jax - MJD is done and they need a fresh start

NYJ - Ivory was nice but they need something a little better to pair with him

NYG - Brown is injury prone and Wilson... well do a search if u want more discussion

Buf - ageless F-Jax needs a backup plan quick

Atl - S-Jax will be cut and they should go after one of the cheaper 2nd or 3rd Tier FAs

Zona - need to replace Mendy and the last 2 drafted RBs have not worked out at all

StL - how comfortable are they, probably enough to not sign a FA but most likely draft

Mia - Miller was a little bit of a bust and Thomas is not starter material, but I think they focus on other positions

Hou - Foster in decline, if Tate walks they'll need another RB

 

[sho nuff]

Lower on the totem poll also is James Starks who looked pretty good as a 2nd guy for the Packers this year. With all those guys as free agents, maybe the market is not there for him and they can retain him cheap. Or someone else gets him cheap. Not really fantasy relevant except maybe as a cuff.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Toby Gerhart - resigned by the Vikes

I don't think this is very likely at all.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Knowshon Moreno - I think hes the biggest name on the list after the season he had. I don't see Denver keeping him and I think SD will make a big play for him and replace Mathews. Cleveland or Zona are in need of his services as well

Why would SD look to replace Matthews after his best season ever while still on his rookie contract?

 

[zamboni]

Buf - ageless F-Jax needs a backup plan quick

Zona - need to replace Mendy and the last 2 drafted RBs have not worked out at all

by these two:

Buffalo has a guy named CJ Spiller

Ellington may not be Arians' prototype and may continue to be paired with a bruiser (if not Mendenhall), but he was fantastic this year

 

[Spike]

Couldn't see MJD to the Pats. He'll want much more than they would be willing to spend.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Strongly disagree on Tate, and the notion that Foster is done. Foster put up very solid numbers prior to his injury. I believe the Texans are tied to Foster due to his contract as well.

I would be very surprised if Oak even made DMac an offer.

I think Ariens has a serious man crush on Mendy and doubt they make any major moves at the position.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Im pretty sure Knowshon is still under contract for 2014, so unless cut, hes not going anywhere

And SD will stick w Mathews, granted I see a small move either FA or draft to get some more insurance behind him

 

[T with T]

Buf - ageless F-Jax needs a backup plan quick

Zona - need to replace Mendy and the last 2 drafted RBs have not worked out at all

by these two:

Buffalo has a guy named CJ Spiller

Ellington may not be Arians' prototype and may continue to be paired with a bruiser (if not Mendenhall), but he was fantastic this year

yea what was he thinking Ellington looked amazing on limited touches... "have not worked out at all" so who would be better some 32 year old bruiser like mcgahee haha gimme a break. Ellington is a dual threat and mendy is out of town ... Ellington 15-17 touches per game in 2014 and beyond.

 

[nightmare]

Over the cap.com has K Moreno signed until 2014. This is a great site for keeping track of FA's.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

The Raiders situation bears watching. I'm particularly curious to see how Latavius Murray comes back from his injuries and see how he impacts the Raiders running back situation during camp. I would certainly thing if healthy he could challenge Jennings for the lead role. I'm of course assuming that Jennings gets resigned and McFadden gets jettisoned.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Im pretty sure Knowshon is still under contract for 2014, so unless cut, hes not going anywhere

http://www.spotrac.com/free-agents/nfl/running-back/

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2014-nfl-free-agents-015900284--nfl.html

I see him listed as a free agent everywhere.

 

[Amused to Death]

Im pretty sure Knowshon is still under contract for 2014, so unless cut, hes not going anywhere

http://www.spotrac.com/free-agents/nfl/running-back/

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2014-nfl-free-agents-015900284--nfl.html

I see him listed as a free agent everywhere.

I may be wrong but I thought '14 was a club option year.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Shrugs

 

[Hang 10]

So like 9 out of 10 resign with their current team? yawn...

 

[Bayhawks]

Im pretty sure Knowshon is still under contract for 2014, so unless cut, hes not going anywhere

And SD will stick w Mathews, granted I see a small move either FA or draft to get some more insurance behind him

He signed a 5 year contract after he was drafted. 2013 was the 5th year. Unless there was some extension that I'm not aware of, he's a FA.

ETA-confirmed here:

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_24794027/broncos-16-players-about-become-free-agents

 

[fantasycurse42]

Darren McFadden

Time for him to get a more fitting nickname, I suggest; "streetclothes DMC"

 

[salmonstud]

I believe Oakland will cut ties with McFadden. Oakland & Cleveland will be adding a RB or 2 in the draft. Chris Johnson has went on the record stating he will only sign with a team that will treat him like a bellcow RB. He has said he hasn't been getting enough touches in Tenn to be fully effective. I think he leaves in free agency.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I believe Oakland will cut ties with McFadden. Oakland & Cleveland will be adding a RB or 2 in the draft. Chris Johnson has went on the record stating he will only sign with a team that will treat him like a bellcow RB. He has said he hasn't been getting enough touches in Tenn to be fully effective. I think he leaves in free agency.

But he's not a free agent. They would have to cut him, which they might.

 

[DaveL]

Darren McFadden

Time for him to get a more fitting nickname, I suggest; "streetclothes DMC"

been using DNP for a while

 

[zamboni]

Darren McFadden

Time for him to get a more fitting nickname, I suggest; "streetclothes DMC"

been using DNP for a while

I prefer Rest DMC or Rundown DMC.

 

[buck naked]

Toby Gerhart - resigned by the Vikes

I don't think this is very likely at all.

Agreed. Somebody is going to give him a chance for significant touches. He has low mileage, can catch the ball well, and he shouldn't be too expensive. I highly doubt he wants to sit behind Peterson for another 3-4 years. I read that other Viking players expect him to leave and do pretty well.

 

[zamboni]

Toby Gerhart - resigned by the Vikes

I don't think this is very likely at all.

Agreed. Somebody is going to give him a chance for significant touches. He has low mileage, can catch the ball well, and he shouldn't be too expensive. I highly doubt he wants to sit behind Peterson for another 3-4 years. I read that other Viking players expect him to leave and do pretty well.

I think you might be overestimating the market for an average RB.

 

[menobrown]

Toby Gerhart - resigned by the Vikes

I don't think this is very likely at all.

Agreed. Somebody is going to give him a chance for significant touches. He has low mileage, can catch the ball well, and he shouldn't be too expensive. I highly doubt he wants to sit behind Peterson for another 3-4 years. I read that other Viking players expect him to leave and do pretty well.

I think you might be overestimating the market for an average RB.

I don't think anyone is signing him to with the idea he'll get significant touches either. I'm almost certain he'll end up with the Stanford Colts.

 

[Hang 10]

Toby Gerhart - resigned by the Vikes

I don't think this is very likely at all.

Agreed. Somebody is going to give him a chance for significant touches. He has low mileage, can catch the ball well, and he shouldn't be too expensive. I highly doubt he wants to sit behind Peterson for another 3-4 years. I read that other Viking players expect him to leave and do pretty well.

I think you might be overestimating the market for an average RB.

I don't think anyone is signing him to with the idea he'll get significant touches either. I'm almost certain he'll end up with the Stanford Colts.

Patriots. They love them some white skill positions.

 

[EBF]

Gerhart won't re-sign with the Vikings. No chance. It makes very little sense for either party. He's a very competitive guy and I'm sure it's been frustrating for him sitting on the bench. I think he'll go somewhere where he can get some touches. I think he would be a good guy to sign for a modest contract and then pair with a developmental 3rd-4th round rookie.

Someone mentioned the New York Jets as a possibility for either McFadden or Chris Johnson this offseason and I sort of like that call. The Jets are desperate for explosive players. They've shown a willingness to sign big name players on the backslope of their best years (i.e. Jason Taylor, LT, Burress, Ed Reed). So I'm thinking they're just the kind of team to grab one of these guys. I think McFadden's best value would be as a 10-12 touch per week COOP back. That could make some sense alongside Ivory.

I've been a Mendenhall sympathizer in the past, but he didn't look very good this year. I think he's probably done as a starter barring injury. He could take peanuts to come back to Arizona if they'll still have him or he could probably sign for the vet minimum to be a backup elsewhere. I don't see a huge demand after the quiet season he had in 2013.

 

[JFS171]

Hue Jackson has already talked up McFadden. Wouldn't be surprised at all to see Cincy make a play for him to pair with Gio.

With Blount also a FA, who knows what NE will do.

I think we could see Gerhart end up somewhere like ATL or BUF, backing up a "starter" while having a role of his own where he can get rolling.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

Lower on the totem poll also is James Starks who looked pretty good as a 2nd guy for the Packers this year. With all those guys as free agents, maybe the market is not there for him and they can retain him cheap. Or someone else gets him cheap. Not really fantasy relevant except maybe as a cuff.

If Gerhardt leaves, Starks will probably end up where all washed up Packers go. The Vikings.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Hue Jackson has already talked up McFadden. Wouldn't be surprised at all to see Cincy make a play for him to pair with Gio.

With Blount also a FA, who knows what NE will do.

I think we could see Gerhart end up somewhere like ATL or BUF, backing up a "starter" while having a role of his own where he can get rolling.

He could pull a hamstring riding a Segway!

 

[menobrown]

Hue Jackson has already talked up McFadden. Wouldn't be surprised at all to see Cincy make a play for him to pair with Gio.

With Blount also a FA, who knows what NE will do.

I think we could see Gerhart end up somewhere like ATL or BUF, backing up a "starter" while having a role of his own where he can get rolling.

He could pull a hamstring riding a Segway!

This is about the 3rd or 4th anti-DMC joke you've made in the past few days. Second one in this thread alone. We get it. Can we now go back to trying to have a real conversation and at least try and limit yourself to one anti-DMC joke per thread?

 

[buck naked]

Toby Gerhart - resigned by the Vikes

I don't think this is very likely at all.

Agreed. Somebody is going to give him a chance for significant touches. He has low mileage, can catch the ball well, and he shouldn't be too expensive. I highly doubt he wants to sit behind Peterson for another 3-4 years. I read that other Viking players expect him to leave and do pretty well.

I think you might be overestimating the market for an average RB.

You might be right. But he has been productive in the past when given opportunity.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Browns GM Mike Lombardi was high on impending free agent Ben Tate when Tate came out of Auburn in 2010.

We have special insight into Lombardi's past thinking because he wrote for National Football Post before working at NFL Network, and eventually resurfacing in the NFL with Cleveland. Of Tate, Lombardi wrote "He has an ability to hit the hole with a burst and is a one-cut runner," going so far as to predict Tate would win 2010 Rookie of the Year. Lombardi also liked fellow impending free agent Anthony Dixon, whom he called a "good back ... who can run the power play effectively ... and has the ability to break tackles." The Browns need a running back.

Related: Browns, Anthony Dixon

Source: National Football Post

 

[Blackjacks]

Gerhart won't re-sign with the Vikings. No chance. It makes very little sense for either party. He's a very competitive guy and I'm sure it's been frustrating for him sitting on the bench. I think he'll go somewhere where he can get some touches. I think he would be a good guy to sign for a modest contract and then pair with a developmental 3rd-4th round rookie.

Someone mentioned the New York Jets as a possibility for either McFadden or Chris Johnson this offseason and I sort of like that call. The Jets are desperate for explosive players. They've shown a willingness to sign big name players on the backslope of their best years (i.e. Jason Taylor, LT, Burress, Ed Reed). So I'm thinking they're just the kind of team to grab one of these guys. I think McFadden's best value would be as a 10-12 touch per week COOP back. That could make some sense alongside Ivory.

I've been a Mendenhall sympathizer in the past, but he didn't look very good this year. I think he's probably done as a starter barring injury. He could take peanuts to come back to Arizona if they'll still have him or he could probably sign for the vet minimum to be a backup elsewhere. I don't see a huge demand after the quiet season he had in 2013.

They also signed LT a few years ago also

 

[DaveL]

Rotoworld:

Browns GM Mike Lombardi was high on impending free agent Ben Tate when Tate came out of Auburn in 2010.

We have special insight into Lombardi's past thinking because he wrote for National Football Post before working at NFL Network, and eventually resurfacing in the NFL with Cleveland. Of Tate, Lombardi wrote "He has an ability to hit the hole with a burst and is a one-cut runner," going so far as to predict Tate would win 2010 Rookie of the Year. Lombardi also liked fellow impending free agent Anthony Dixon, whom he called a "good back ... who can run the power play effectively ... and has the ability to break tackles." The Browns need a running back.

Related: Browns, Anthony Dixon

Source: National Football Post

Lombardi was also high on Trent Richardson, calling him the 3rd safest pick in the draft (Luck/RGIII) and a future top 5 in his position.

 

[nightmare]

K Moreno's 2014 season is an option year(Wiki). overthecap.com has it as voidable.

I don't think Moreno is leaving.

 

[Blackjacks]

Rotoworld:

Browns GM Mike Lombardi was high on impending free agent Ben Tate when Tate came out of Auburn in 2010.

We have special insight into Lombardi's past thinking because he wrote for National Football Post before working at NFL Network, and eventually resurfacing in the NFL with Cleveland. Of Tate, Lombardi wrote "He has an ability to hit the hole with a burst and is a one-cut runner," going so far as to predict Tate would win 2010 Rookie of the Year. Lombardi also liked fellow impending free agent Anthony Dixon, whom he called a "good back ... who can run the power play effectively ... and has the ability to break tackles." The Browns need a running back.

Related: Browns, Anthony Dixon

Source: National Football Post

Lombardi was also high on Trent Richardson, calling him the 3rd safest pick in the draft (Luck/RGIII) and a future top 5 in his position.

And everyone has assumed Mallet will go there also due to Lambardo's love for him during the scouting period. Different players work better in different schemes. I think Manziel would be much more ideal in Cleveland than Mallet due to his mobility. The Browns have a good line but Mallet is a statue back there and would get rocked. I have thought for quite some time that as long as Manziel is available for the Browns they will draft him and as a Rams fan I would love if they wanted to move up to #2 to get him (doubt that will happen though)

 

[Sabertooth]

Let's rank these guys in order from best to worst. Tate or Gerhart for me have the best chance to do something on a new team.

 

[mr roboto]

Tate

Moreno

Gerhardt

Bell

Brown

Jennings

rest

 

[FF Ninja]

I agree with those saying that Tate won't be back with the Texans. He's made it quite clear that he doesn't want to be a backup and there is no love between him and Foster. So the only way he is back is if Foster's injury is serious and he has to retire or start the season on the PUP/IR. Otherwise, Tate is going to wherever he's guaranteed a starter's role.

Similarly, everything I've read points to Gerhart moving on.

I'm not sure about the rest of the speculation, but given the OP seems way off on those two, I'm not inclined to give much weight to the rest of his ponderings.

Someone mentioned the Hue Jackson/DMC connection - that would be interesting. Do they pay BJGE $2.3 million for 3.3 ypc? McFadden would be a nice addition to that team, but BJGE is a lot more dependable.

 

[Amused to Death]

K Moreno's 2014 season is an option year(Wiki). overthecap.com has it as voidable.

I don't think Moreno is leaving.

That's what I thought as well. Possibly heard during a game broadcast.

 

[mr roboto]

I like Bell a lot if he goes somewhere that uses him 20 times a game.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I like Bell a lot if he goes somewhere that uses him 20 times a game.

RFA, probably not going anywhere, funny I think he was cut from several teams, Buffalo being one that I remember

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I like Bell a lot if he goes somewhere that uses him 20 times a game.

since he's restricted he likely isn't going anywhere - unless Detroit doesn't tender him, which seems unlikely.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

I don't see the Bengals being interested in McFadden at all, personally. Gio fills the dynamic receiving RB role there just fine. If they look to upgrade their RBs, I'd guess they look to bring in a better inside banger to replace Law Firm. Hue Jackson or not, McFadden doesn't make a ton of sense IMO.

 

[JFS171]

I don't see the Bengals being interested in McFadden at all, personally. Gio fills the dynamic receiving RB role there just fine. If they look to upgrade their RBs, I'd guess they look to bring in a better inside banger to replace Law Firm. Hue Jackson or not, McFadden doesn't make a ton of sense IMO.

From the horse's mouth:

“You guys know how I feel about Darren McFadden; he's still one of my favorite players,” Jackson told ESPN affiliate 95.7 The Game in San Francisco on Friday.

“What a tremendous talent. But I really like my little guy Gio [bernard]. He had a real good season. But I don't think you can ever have too many good backs.”

Let's be honest, BJGE isn't exactly creating chunk plays. Adding McFadden to Gio and running the ball 35-40 times a game may be the best way to take that offense to the next level, limiting Dalton to play action passes and keeping him in the 20-25 attempts per game range.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

I don't see the Bengals being interested in McFadden at all, personally. Gio fills the dynamic receiving RB role there just fine. If they look to upgrade their RBs, I'd guess they look to bring in a better inside banger to replace Law Firm. Hue Jackson or not, McFadden doesn't make a ton of sense IMO.

From the horse's mouth:

You guys know how I feel about Darren McFadden; he's still one of my favorite players, Jackson told ESPN affiliate 95.7 The Game in San Francisco on Friday.

What a tremendous talent. But I really like my little guy Gio [bernard]. He had a real good season. But I don't think you can ever have too many good backs.

Let's be honest, BJGE isn't exactly creating chunk plays. Adding McFadden to Gio and running the ball 35-40 times a game may be the best way to take that offense to the next level, limiting Dalton to play action passes and keeping him in the 20-25 attempts per game range.

Yeah, he's not going to come out and say we're NOT interested, is he? Anything is possible, obviously, but I personally doubt that this happens.

 

[lod01]

I don't see the Bengals being interested in McFadden at all, personally. Gio fills the dynamic receiving RB role there just fine. If they look to upgrade their RBs, I'd guess they look to bring in a better inside banger to replace Law Firm. Hue Jackson or not, McFadden doesn't make a ton of sense IMO.

Perfect signing for Bernard owners. He'll pull a hammy tying his shoe during warmups week 1 and be out for the season, Bernard gets all the action.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

I don't see the Bengals being interested in McFadden at all, personally. Gio fills the dynamic receiving RB role there just fine. If they look to upgrade their RBs, I'd guess they look to bring in a better inside banger to replace Law Firm. Hue Jackson or not, McFadden doesn't make a ton of sense IMO.

Perfect signing for Bernard owners. He'll pull a hammy tying his shoe during warmups week 1 and be out for the season, Bernard gets all the action.

Maybe, maybe not. It's not always about having to get "the other guy" touches. Sometimes it's about NOT over-working the dynamic RB. People are assuming the same thing with Ellington if Mendenhall leaves, too. And with Lamar Miller and David Wilson last year.

For the record, I love Gio. But it's a mistake to flatly assume that his workload will go up a ton next year. Regardless of who is or isn't there. It doesn't always work out that way.

 

[Anarchy99]

Not sure MJD would take the deal that the Pats would have offer him. They have seemingly mastered having a bunch of capable backs, older vets, or guys that have a specific role. In the past 10 seasons, on mostly low dollars, they have ranked in the Top 10 in rushing TD 9 times (and ranked 11th the other year). They have also ranked in the Top 10 in rushing yards 5 times (and twice ranked 12th). And between Faulk, Woodhead, and Vereen they've had a 3rd down/COP/receiving back each year.

They had that one bell cow season from Dillon, but since then it's mostly been a hodge podge of backs (although they did waste a first rounder on Maroney). I doubt they change their strategy and go out and get one back that does everything (although some people have suggested that getting a more dynamic back might open up the passing game more).

 

[Andrew74]

Knowshon Moreno - I think hes the biggest name on the list after the season he had. I don't see Denver keeping him and I think SD will make a big play for him and replace Mathews. Cleveland or Zona are in need of his services as well

Why would SD look to replace Matthews after his best season ever while still on his rookie contract?

Yeah, that makes no sense. It was obvious the coaches trusted Mathews *more* as the season progressed.