The Top 5 Available Free Agent RB’s: Who’s Left?
By Ryan Gilbert
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
Regular Season Rushing Stats
SEASON
TEAM
GP
ATT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
FD
FUM
LST
2005
9
67
272
4.1
36
0
12
1
1
2006
15
157
647
4.1
30
6
33
0
0
2007
11
196
674
3.4
43
4
33
3
2
2008
12
214
747
3.5
46
2
36
2
1
2009
13
301
1,251
4.2
42
6
57
1
0
2010
16
321
1,111
3.5
26
7
59
7
5
2011
15
273
1,067
3.9
42
6
53
5
2
Career
91
1529
5,769
3.8
46
31
283
19
11
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
Regular Season Rushing Stats
SEASON
TEAM
GP
ATT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
FD
FUM
LST
2007
3
14
47
3.4
6
1
3
0
0
2009
5
7
21
3.0
12
0
3
0
0
2010
16
20
50
2.5
7
1
7
0
0
2011
15
149
597
4.0
34
2
27
0
0
Career
48
190
715
3.8
34
4
40
0
0
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
Regular Season Rushing Stats
SEASON
TEAM
GP
ATT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
FD
FUM
LST
2005
16
38
99
2.6
21
7
19
1
1
2006
15
96
423
4.4
16
9
33
2
1
2007
11
202
1,009
5.0
43
4
49
4
3
2008
13
219
1,089
5.0
44
15
57
3
1
2009
15
224
835
3.7
31
5
43
2
1
2010
16
147
823
5.6
73
9
39
2
2
2011
14
152
571
3.8
28
7
32
3
0
Career
100
1078
4,849
4.5
73
56
272
17
9
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
Regular Season Rushing Stats
SEASON
TEAM
GP
ATT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
FD
FUM
LST
2007
15
188
956
5.1
66
8
36
0
0
2008
16
312
1,203
3.9
57
4
53
4
3
2009
16
282
1,253
4.4
62
11
61
0
0
2010
1
8
45
5.6
18
0
2
0
0
2011
15
134
559
4.2
47
2
27
1
1
Career
63
924
4,016
4.3
66
25
179
5
4
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
Regular Season Rushing Stats
SEASON
TEAM
GP
ATT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
FD
FUM
LST
2006
16
226
1,081
4.8
41
7
66
2
2
2007
15
261
1,072
4.1
23
12
65
0
0
2008
12
155
544
3.5
23
5
34
1
1
2009
15
219
828
3.8
21
10
44
1
1
2010
8
116
495
4.3
46
4
31
2
1
2011
12
118
433
3.7
16
1
16
1
0
Career
78
1095
4,453
4.1
46
39
256
7
5
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.
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