Ahman Green, UFA, Green Bay Packers
Injuries and protecting the ball have been Green’s Achilles’ heel. In 2003, Green rushed for over 1,800 yards. In 2004, his rushing total fell to under 1,200 yards. In 2005, he played in just five games and totaled 255 yards. He runs behind a suspect offensive line and takes a pounding, as do all of the Packers’ backs. He fumbles more than his team would wish, and yet, a healthy Ahman Green is a pretty good Ahman Green. So far in 2006, he’s played in four games, finding the endzone just once on the ground. He’s rushed effectively in two games, and struggled in his other two efforts. The former Nebraska Cornhusker could be looking for work outside of Green Bay because of injuries, fumbles, and inconsistency. As a free agent running back who will be 30, Green will settle for a backup role with a team looking for insurance.
Michael Turner, RFA, San Diego Chargers
Turner takes a beating and keeps going. Turner isn’t well known to the general public, but the kid has talent. He gets a handful of carries behind Ladainian Tomlinson and has maximized those carries, averaging six yards per carry in his short career. If Turner continues to have success in his current role, it won’t be long before teams start thinking about making an offer come free agency. With his expanded role in San Diego this season, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to see Turner sign elsewhere, but the Chargers may look to keep their dangerous rushing combo together.
Chris Brown, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Brown might wind up back in Tennessee when all is said and done, but there could be interest from teams looking for a decent backup or desperate for a starter with some experience under his belt. A team might like to use Brown in a running back by committee scenario, if he has a good season as the main back with the Titans this season. His upright running style might make him an appealing change of pace back, and he did rush for over 1,000 yards in just 11 games during the 2004 season, but Brown’s health is a concern. In his three seasons, he’s never played in all 16 games.
Ladell Betts UFA Washington Redskins
In filling in for an injured Clinton Portis at times this season, Betts has shown flashes of solid talent. An NFL squad might give him a long look when they sit down and start looking for rushing options. He’s just 27, and while he might not get a featured role, he could make a case for one in some NFL offenses. In limited action, he has averaged 4.7 yards per rush and added 23 receptions up to this point of the season.
Other Free Agent Running Backs
Correll Buckhalter, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Najeh Davenport, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Nick Goings, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Maurice Hicks, RFA, San Francisco 49ers
Patrick Pass, UFA, New England Patriots
Artose Pinner, RFA, Detroit Lions
B.J. Sams, RFA, Baltimore Ravens
Marcel Shipp, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Antowain Smith, UFA, Houston Texans
