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DeMarco Murray will be able to test free agency just like a slew of other free agent running backs.
Free agent running backs are flooding the market
right now as teams jettison them for under-performance, cap space, or a desire to go younger in what promises to be a quality running back draft class. Players like Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson, and DeAngelo Williams are going to have their phones ringing during free agency as they offer veteran services to teams looking to improve the ground game.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of those teams.
While I personally think the team will go after a running back in the draft instead of in free agency, with quality veterans available the Jaguars should certainly spend some serious time thinking about picking one of them up. Toby Gerhart under-performed last season as the big free agent splash and Denard Robinson over-performed for a few weeks. Jordan Todman and Storm Johnson look more and more like “just guys” so getting a new veteran running back could make for a strong committee of runners with Robinson and Gerhart splitting time.
While I love the idea of the Jags using a workhorse, it’s obvious that they don’t have one on the roster and without using a high draft draft pick on a running back, they likely won’t get one. Some of the guys I’m about to list aren’t really workhorses anymore either. A committee, completed from either from the draft or from free agency, looks like it could be the future for the Jaguars.
There’s plenty of money for the Jags to spend this offseason, so we may as well look at every – including running back – as a spot to spend.
So, let’s look at the top five free agent running backs I see for the Jaguars.
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
1) Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints
I love the work Mark Ingram has put together during his first few seasons in the NFL. While he hasn’t put together a single 1,000 yard season yet, Ingram has shown to be a bruising ground force for teams and can wear down defenses. Also importantly, he is great for red zone running options. He racked up an impressive nine touchdowns last year (about one TD for every 100 yards), something the Jaguars would love to have on their offense. Last year was the first season Ingram eclipsed 200 rushing attempts (226) so the fifth-year back has plenty of tread left on his tires.
Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) is brought down by New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) during fourth quarter action at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
2) Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers
Mathews has struggled to stay on the field in his career, completing just one 16-game season in his five years in the league. His talent, however, is undeniable and limiting his carries could keep him on the field longer. What I love about Mathews is that he has managed to keep his average per attempt above 4.0 for every season except one. He averaged near three yards after contact in 2014, suggesting he could succeed for the Jaguars even if the offensive line doesn’t improve this offseason. If the Jags could keep him on the field as part of a committee, he’d be a strong addition.
Next: Would Another Change of Scenery Help These Next Two?
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
3) Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions
Reggie Bush, a recent free agent addition, has breakout potential that the Jaguars currently lack. Robinson was brought in to be an “offensive weapon” but as he transitions to be more of an NFL-standard halfback we’ve yet to see if he can really break it open whenever he touches the ball. There were flashes last year, but he needs to do it consistently. Bush brings that consistency with him. While I believe Bush has never performed to his draft position, he’s still a dependable back in the NFL. He has the skills to be an offensive weapon wherever you put him. His struggles, in my opinion, are largely because he simply isn’t meant to be a feature back and hasn’t really been put in the right role. At age thirty (happy birthday, today!) he may not have a lot of mileage left, but if the Jags want a proven threat to be a part of their team, Bush would make a lot of sense to tack on with Gerhart and Robinson. He declined last year, but I believe the talent is still there.
Dec 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Johnson (21) rushes against Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Avery Williamson (54) during the second half at LP Field. Jets won 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
4) Chris Johnson, New York Jets
Chris Johnson may never be CJ2K again. Nearing age thirty, beginning to bounce around the league, and finishing with less than 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, what Johnson needs is a change of scenery. He’s one of the most talented running backs around and would bring instant speed to the Jags. He’s also got some attitude that I like to see from skill players and may bring some national attention (hopefully positive) to our favorite small market team. Johnson is a threat to break one open any time he touches the ball and I would love to see him paired with Gerhart and Robinson in the backfield. The big question at this point in his career is whether he wants to still try and be a feature back or whether he’d be willing to share time as part of a committee.
Next: The Big Fish
Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) in the first quarter in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
5) DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
Last but not least, the best running back from 2014. Murray would be the undisputed workhorse for the Jaguars and would instantly make the team among the most respected rushing threats in the league. Murray isn’t on his last legs, under-performing, or struggling to find a right fit. The guy is a champion through and through. Right now he’s on top of the world. He’d be a major (pricey) addition to the Jags, but he’d be a great improvement. His 1,800 yards and 13 touchdowns would go a long way toward helping the Jags and would definitely take some pressure off of quarterback Blake Bortles.
DeMarco Murray would be the big splash in free agency for the Jaguars (Even if they went after Ndamukong Suh). He’d raise all boats on the offense. Landing Murray would also signal to the rest of the league that Jacksonville is a top destination for free agents, something that GM Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley would absolutely love. Murray was at or near the top in every rushing category this past season and could bring some credibility to the rebuild the Jags are in the midst of. The coaching staff and personnel team would have to be sure they want him taking over the rushing attack though, because Murray instantly becomes the dominant offensive player for the Jaguars and relegates Gerhart and Robinson to backup roles.