Aug 14, 2010; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers backfield players Shawnbrey McNeal (40), Mike Tolbert (35), Ryan Matthews (24), Curtis Brinkley (44), and Marcus Mason (29) huddle during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

With the Chargers apparently still in the Market for a #2 running back behind Ryan Mathews we will take a look at the top five most productive free agent running backs left on the market.  Granted, the list is not exceptionally exciting but one of these players could/should end up on the Chargers 53 man roster come week one.  This is a veritable scrap heap of veterans, the Bolts could really hit or miss here and I’ve already stated my opinion on Curtis Brinkley.  Can AJ pull another rabbit out of his hat and find a guy who can stay healthy and have an impact on an already explosive offense?  We shall see.

Jan 7, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson (32) carries the ball during the AFC Wildcard Playoff game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bengals 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

#1: Cedric Benson

NOTE:  Benson is probably unlikely considering AJ likes high character guys, but having a guy like this on the roster would give the Chargers a proven commodity to help Ryan Matthews carry the load.  Benson could also step in as a full time starter if #24 happens to go down with an injury (fingers crossed).  Benson is a load, and has three seasons in a row with over 1000 yards rushing and a combination of both him and Matthews could be unstoppable.

December 18, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jackie Battle (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

#2:  Jackie Battle

NOTE:  Battle has already been to Chargers Park for a visit and left without signing a contract.  The Bolts are high on his combination of speed and size so I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up  back in SD.  He might be asking for too much money which could change as other free agents start to set the market for guys in his class, if that happens expect him to consider coming in to absorb some of Mike Tolbert’s duties from last year.

Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball during Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Faytok/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

#3:  Brandon Jacobs

NOTE:  Brandon Jacobs looks the perfect part to stick into the #2 role because of his awesome size (6’4” 264 lbs.) and experience pounding the ball on short yardage situations but is considered a long shot to end up in San Diego.  It’s been said that he doesn’t have the type of attitude to fit into the locker room, and his health is always a concern being such a big pounding type of runner.  I actually like the Jacobs idea, I think if we could limit his carries he could stay healthy and in turn, productive.  I’d say there might be a 25% chance of Jacobs this year (my best meteorologist impression) and that’s being generous I’d wager.  Maybe AJ will realize that a nasty streak might not be the worst thing in the world, although I’m not a huge proponent of Jacob’s propensity to bad mouth his teammates.

Jan 15, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant (25) runs against New York Giants outside linebacker Michael Boley (59) during the first half in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

#4:  Ryan Grant

NOTE:  Nursing injuries basically all of 2011 certainly didn’t help Ryan Grant’s value in free agency this year, and he was basically overtaken by James Starks as they starter in Green Bay.  He’s not exactly a great fit as far as size goes at 6’1” 222 lbs. and that will probably be the deciding factor.  This is a tough call for me because Grant has been productive and explosive when he’s not injured, I wonder what a reduced role would to for his health in general.  If Grant could be had for a team friendly price tag it might be a consideration but there has been some talk of his returning to The Packers.

Dec 22, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai (29) runs with the ball against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

#5:  Joseph Addai

NOTE:  This is a player whose been connected by to San Diego by a few different sources and that the Chargers themselves have not confirmed this is interesting.  AJ is known for playing it close to the vest and then crashing in at the last second with “an offer he couldn’t refuse”.  The Chargers might be waiting to see what teams are interested in Addai and at what price.  With his numbers being down in 2011 and having played only 12 games due to injury he might be had for the veterans minimum.  If so, do not be surprised if the Bolts snatch up the former Colt who is known for being a smart player if not a durable one.

Now, It’s a possibility that we don’t end up with any of these players in 2012, possible not probable.  The Chargers front office is said to be committed to putting a winning product on the field this year, and they have made some significant moves so far.  I would like to believe they will fill the void left by Tolbert with a player who can effectively do the same things he did;  crash through line backers at the goaline and catch dump off passes in the flat and turn them into first downs.  Not to mention fill in for Ryan Matthews for the two or three games he sits out with a sprained ankle (sorry, it’s true and you know it) and possibly contributing on special teams where Tolbert was a standout.  Who do you weant as the #2 RB San Diego fans?  Say it loud enough and they might even hear us over in Murphy Canyon.

Follow me on TWITTER @chefgilbsSD- Questions or topics? ryangilbert619@yahoo.com

It’s tough seeing great talent leave our team.  It feels even worst knowing they left with nothing to show for.  With the amount of talent we’ve had in our roster we should have had at least one Super Bowl, and a contender every year.  At this point it’s both the coach’s and player’s fault.   All we can do now is learn from our mistakes and focus on the future. 

I hope that all our present/past players know that we appreciate everything they do for us and that their accomplishments will never be forgotten.  Vincent Jackson and Mike Tolbert have both contributed to the Chargers Legacy, and will continue to do the same in their new home.  I wish I could do more for these two players and the team as a whole but hey, this is a start!

Sorry for making this video seem like they passed away, THEY DIDN’T!!!  They were last reported as being healthy, and looking forward in contributing to their new teams.  Stay positive and keep charging…  Bolt Up and Go Chargers!!!

January 1, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Mike Tolbert (35) tries to run past Oakland Raiders linebacker Aaron Curry (51) in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 38-26. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

If Mike Tolbert‘s contract with the Carolina Panthers tells us one thing, it is that the market for free agent running backs is about as soft as Eli Manning in a bar fight (I can only assume). According to a report by Mike Florio of Profootballtalk.com Tolbert received a four year deal worth approximately $10 million with incentives, including a $2 million signing bonus and $700,000 salary for 2012.  Tolbert has 19 TD’s in the last two seasons, which puts him in a category with guys like Marshawn Lynch (18 TD’s), Michael Turner (23 TD’s), and believe it or not CJ2K (15 TD’s).  I know, I know, Tolbert is not a primary back with the rushing yards to compare with these other guys right?  Wrong, Tolbert is a TD machine and does exactly what he  is supposed to do;  Crash head first into the end zone from five yards out or catch the dump off from the QB and uses a low center of gravity to bowl over frustrated and bruised defenders.  Then why is this a guy making $2 million a year?  Its simple, the NFL is no longer a RB dominated league and its becoming more and more obvious.  Philip Rivers and Eli Manning were locked up to the tune of $11-$16 million a year not so long ago, Mark Sanchezis right in there at about 10 million, and we all know what Peyton just got from Denver ($90 million for 5 years).

Dec 5, 2011; Jacksonville, FL, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Matthews (24) celebrates with tight end Randy McMichael (81) after scoring on a 31-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter at EverBank Field. The Chargers defeated the Jaguars 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Now, you have an upper echelon of running backs who are still recieving big contracts and who will get big money deals in the future but they are becoming a smaller group every year.  I have the distinct feeling that Ryan Matthews will have to continue to improve and assure the coaches he can stay healthy an entire season by actually doing it.  Then and only then will he be getting anything close to the tune of $6+ million per year.

So the QB’s are getting paid, the running backs on  the other hand are just trying to land a decent gig it would appear.  Jackie Battle left the Chargers facility without a deal today per the San Diego Union Tribune, and guys like Michael Bush, Cadillac Williams, Brandon Jacobs and BenJarvus Green-Ellis are still flying around the country trying to get a job.  Now, there’s no doubt these guys will be employed sooner or later but at what price tag?  You can bet your last bag of Gummy Bears that it won’t be anywhere near the $20 million dollar deal DeAngelo Williams scored from the Panthers last year, and go head and bet those sweet little treats again that they will be paid like a bunch of place kickers. Doesn’t really seem fair considering that running back is known for it’s 30 year old production slips and brutal hits from ravenous linebackers does it?

Follow me on TWITTER @chefgilbsSD or Email me at ryangilbert619@yahoo.com with questions or comments.