2017 NFL running back revolution: Predicting fits for the top RBs
![Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) rushes for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) rushes for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3233771163c6e49e971aa89bbfe12639b259b931556fcddf4f082e2ea33353d4.jpg)
These are the guys that are about to get cut from their teams due to their cap hit, and there are no scrubs that I will even bother with here. Read carefully as I tell you the instructions class, because I will not go over them again (Yes I am also teaching a class right now as well). After I list the player and give a slight description, I will also list out potential spots for them and give MY OPINION as to their best landing spot. Again, this is simply MY OPINION, not a fact of what will happen. If I knew that, do you really think I would be making pennies in a classroom?
Adrian Peterson
Yes, I’m starting big today. AP….All Day…..whatever else you want to call him. He is old. Father time eventually catches up with us all, as I just learned last week going through drills with my own running backs. He is due way too much money for the amount of time he sees the field, and with the youth on that Vikings team right now, someone is clearly the odd man out.
He won’t be on the market long though, don’t you worry. A team that really is just a running back away from title contention will easily take a shot on him, but not for nearly the type of money he is used to. Sorry AP, but you are on the wrong side of 30 and you aren’t getting $10 million a year anymore.
My best bet would be the Lions, but I could also see the Raiders or the Jaguars involved in conversations as well. We saw exactly what Detroit could do with the young buck Zach Zenner, but having the veteran presence of Peterson could get Detroit that ever elusive playoff win.
Jamaal Charles
Different name, same story. Charles has had constant injury issues along his career, and the money he is being paid doesn’t match the production anymore. Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West are ready to own that stable themselves now. Once one of the biggest all around threats in the league may have lost a step with all the injuries he has accumulated.
There is hope though that he can find the right system at the right price. I really like Green Bay as a landing spot, but I could also see the Lions and 49ers being involved as well. Green Bay will have no true running backs on their roster when the new NFL year starts in March. Eddie Lacy will be gone in free agency and James Starks just got cut. Ty Montgomery did a great job filling in, but they need a true running back that can also work as a receiver to fit their system. Enter Jamaal Charles. You’re welcome Green Bay fans. As long as he stays healthy there is a high chance for a longer playoff run next year.
Alfred Morris
Here we have the curious case of Alfred Morris. Once a name nobody knew, he took the league by storm as a rookie, breaking record after record for the Washington Redskins. Eventually he went into a timeshare, and signed a deal in Dallas. It seemed like it may be a shot at redemption for him, but that lasted about a month until Zeke Elliott got drafted, and you know the rest….I hope. We have a well rested former stud running back with decently low miles on him and a chip on his shoulder to show the league what he can do. I don’t think he will be taken just as a full time back, but as the big boy in a time share he could fit very easily somewhere and show he still has gas in the tank.
I could see a few teams making some offers, such as the Giants, Packers, Lions, and Eagles. The best fit may be with the Giants. No, I’m not saying this as a Giants fan who has spent years around FAU. Go Owls….still not sure about Lane Kiffin yet, but that is a story for another day.
Rookie Paul Perkins showed some flash this season, but he isn’t a full time guy and Jennings seems to be losing a step. They need a new power man and they can get Morris at the right price.