Free Agent Running Backs 2012
By Gayle Saunders
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Best Available:
Ray Rice – Ravens - Through four years in the league, Rice has established himself as one of the NFL’s most consistently productive running backs and heads a decent class of free agents at his position. A product of Rutgers in 2008, the small, but versatile ball-carrier has appeared in two Pro-Bowls and been an integral part of Baltimore’s dangerous offense. While it’s hard not to question how many hits a 5-foot-8 back like Rice will be able to take, especially with his up-the-middle running style, there’s been no question the 24-year-old has been the centerpiece of the Ravens in recent years. With three straight years of at least 1,220 yards and five scores on the ground, he’ll likely command a big payday, but figures to be back with the team he began his career with.
Matt Forte -Bears – Typically, when a premier running back prepares to hit the open market, his team works hard to get a long-term deal done ahead of time, but that hasn’t been the case with Forte and the Bears, meaning other NFL clubs could have a shot at landing a top-tier ball-carrier this offseason. He followed up a promising rookie campaign with a forgettable 2009 season that included a yards-per-carry average of just 3.6, but has since developed into one of the league’s top all-around offensive threats. This past season, he fell just three yards short of the 1,000-yard mark and also hauled in 52 passes for nearly 500 yards…in 12 games. At 26, Forte is older than Rice, but remains a potentially elite free agent option.
Marshawn Lynch – Seahawks- Before joining the Seahawks during the 2010 season, Lynch appeared to be on a serious decline, which followed up a promising, yet controversial tenure with Buffalo, but has turned his career around and figures to garner a good deal of interest as a free agent. After two straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his professional career, Lynch fell victim to injuries and quickly fell out of favor with the Bills, especially after being suspended for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Since coming to Seattle via trade, however, the 25-year-old Lynch has been nothing short of a bruising highlight reel, powering his way to over 1,700 rushing yards in 26 starts for the Seahawks.
Running Backs
Ray Rice
Matt Forte
Marshawn Lynch
Michael Bush
Peyton Hillis
Cedric Benson
Mike Tolbert
Kevin Smith
Jason Snelling
Justin Forsett
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Tim Hightower
Steve Slaton
Cadillac Williams
LaDainian Tomlinson
Ronnie Brown
Ryan Grant
Jackie Battle
Sammy Morris
Mewelde Moore
Maurice Morris
Earnest Graham
Chester Taylor
Kevin Faulk
Tashard Choice
Derrick Ward
Thomas Jones
Jerious Norwood
LenDale White
Rock Cartwright
Mike Mitchell blows up Justin Forsett
Top 5 “Breakout Running Backs” in 2010
By Gayle Saunders
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Last year, Running Backs like Ravens Ray Rice and Titans Chris Johnson had break out years. In 2010 look for these Running Backs below to do the same. Here are five Running Backs who I think are in great position to have bigger seasons than many fans are expecting. Read more
