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2015 NFL Free Agency: Top Montee Ball Landing Spots

By Erik Lambert

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Sep 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Cariel Brooks (35) in the third quarter of a preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Cardinals defeated the Broncos 22-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries and scheme changes have derailed plenty of promising careers in pro football.  Running back Montee Ball, former 2nd round pick of the Denver Broncos is learning that as his team parted ways with him after just two seasons.

Things started off so promising for the Wisconsin product.  He produced 559 yards rushing as a rookie in 2013 for a 4.7 per carry average, also catching 20 passes for 145 yards.  Then last year a groin injury ended his season after five games, during which he only managed 3.1 yards per carry.  With the arrival of new head coach Gary Kubiak, it was a strong possibility he couldn’t recover in time to retain his roster spot.

His 68 yards on 32 carries in the preseason pretty much sealed his fate as the team waived him during their final roster cuts.

Still, he’s 24-years old and healthy by all accounts.  There is a chance for him to revive his sagging career.  It’s only a matter of finding the right situation.  So which teams should be considered prime landing spots?

Pittsburgh Steelers

The fact that they finished worst in the preseason in rushing is a sign that the Pittsburgh Steelers running game may not feature good depth outside of starter Le’Veon Bell.  Veteran DeAngelo Williams is 31-years old and beyond him nobody else has really stood out.  Ball could give them more depth in the very least and if he can regain his confidence might end up being a great compliment to Bell.

New England Patriots

Outside of LeGarrette Blount, the New England Patriots have discovered their running back depth chart is thinner than originally believed.  The losses of Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are looming large.  Bill Belichick has a history of turning supposed busts at running back into productive players. Ball would represent only his latest challenge.

Oakland Raiders

Poor preseason play and a lack of proven options opens the door for the Oakland Raiders to be seeking options in case Latavius Murray doesn’t work out as hope.  They should be familiar with Ball given they’re in the same division, but also because head coach Jack Del Rio was defensive coordinator for the Broncos prior to being hired.  He knows what Ball can do from seeing him every day in practice.

Chicago Bears

Like with Oakland, there are coaching connections with the Chicago Bears.  Deeper ones, in fact.  The head coach who drafted Ball (John Fox) and offensive coordinator who developed him (Adam Gase) are both there.  It’s a scheme Ball should know well and Fox has a reputation for not giving up on players so easily.  The trick is whether the Bears want to part with any of the four running backs they’ve retained since all played well in the preseason.

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