NFL Free Agency: Five Potential Landing Spots For Ronnie Hillman
The Broncos decided it was best to part ways with Ronnie Hillman. The only question now is who will sign the veteran running back?
Despite being the Denver Broncos’ leading rusher last season, the team elected not to retain fifth-year running back Ronnie Hillman.
Some saw this coming after general manager John Elway and Co. selected Devontae Booker in the fourth round of the NFL Draft back in April.
And considering the continued improvement of Kapri Bibbs – a longtime member of the Broncos’ practice squad – the release of Hillman shouldn’t surprise many.
So #Broncos save about $3.5 mill in cap space by cutting Mark Sanchez. Ronnie Hillman also released. Kapri Bibbs made it. #specialteams
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) September 3, 2016
Now a free agent, let’s take a look at five potential landing spots for the veteran tailback.
New England Patriots
No contending team is in a stickier situation when it comes to running back than the Patriots. With Dion Lewis missing the first six weeks of the season on the PUP list, New England is left to mainly rely on LeGarrette Blount and James White to pick up the slack. Both are serviceable, at best, and can’t be trusted alone to significantly help quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Pairing Blount with a shifty, every-down player like Hillman would give the Patriots a solid one-two punch, not to mention fulfill coach Bill Belichick’s M.O. of getting production out of castoffs.
Miami Dolphins
Reuniting Hillman with his former offensive coordinator from Denver in Adam Gase makes too much sense. Gase knows how to utilize quick, one-cut backs and could do the same in Miami with the 24-year-old. With oft-injured veteran Arian Foster and the underwhelming Jay Ajayi as the top two ball carriers, there’s no reason for the Dolphins not to at least consider giving Hillman a call.
More from NFL Free Agency
- Ideal landing spots for Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott and other free agent running backs
- AFC East Buzz: Ezekiel Elliot visits Patriots; Dalvin Cook-Jets rumors heat up
- NFL Free Agency: 5 most intriguing landing spots for Dalvin Cook
- AFC South Buzz: Titans nab DeAndre Hopkins; Engram gets paid
- 5 Teams That Should Sign Free Agent WR DeAndre Hopkins
Chicago Bears
Will the Bears be contenders or pretenders in 2016? That loaded question may depend on if their offense can get anything out of the run game with Matt Forte gone. Uncertainty still surrounds incumbents Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey, as it remains to be seen as to if they can capably step into Forte’s shoes.
An established commodity in Hillman – who played under coach John Fox for three seasons in Denver – might make all of the difference, and would immediately provide a substantial boost to Chicago’s rushing attack.
Seattle Seahawks
Luckily for coach Pete Carroll and the Seahawks, it doesn’t appear as though they’ll miss retiree Marshawn Lynch all that much. Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael have firmly taken control of the reigns and could quickly become one of the league’s better duos at tailback.
Incorporating a third runner into the mix isn’t a bad idea, especially a proven entity such as Hillman. His ability to dash between the tackles and come out of the backfield as a receiver on any given down would be a nice addition to Seattle’s dynamic offense.
Baltimore Ravens
If the Ravens want to return to the upper-echelon of the NFL, they’ll need to rediscover their ground game that made them so difficult to deal with in years past. As of right now, Terrance West, Javorius (Buck) Allen, and Kenneth Dixon are on track to split carries.
All three are unproven and none have the difference-maker look to them that is required at the position in the AFC North. Why not bring in Hillman and see what he can do behind Baltimore’s physical offensive line?