4 RBs the Jaguars can sign in free agency after releasing Carlos Hyde

No. 4 RB the Jaguars can sign in free agency – Chase Edmonds.

The Arizona Cardinals’ top two running backs from last season are set to become free agents and there’s a good chance neither of them will return in 2022. While James Conner will most likely have the most demand in the open market, Chase Edmonds is no consolation prize.

As the Cards’ RB1, Conner logged averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last year but found the end zone 18 times. On the other hand, Edmonds toted the rock just 116 times with two touchdowns but averaged a healthy 5.1 yards per carry.

Cardinals general manager Steve Kiem would like to keep Conner and Edmonds, “It’s no secret, having James and Chase, in a perfect world, we’d want them both back. However, he’s fully aware Arizona will have a hard time re-signing the two of them. While Conner joined the Cards last season, Edmonds has spent his whole career in the desert. 2021 marked the first time he had more than 100 carries in a season, so could argue that he won’t have as much wear and tear as other running backs in free agency. That could make him an enticing option and one the Jaguars should consider.

Conner could get the better deal in free agency but Edmonds may turn out to be the better of the two. Pro Football Focus expects him to sign a two-year deal worth $12 million with $9 million guaranteed. While that may exceed the Jags’ spending budget this offseason, signing Edmonds would allow them to address other positions in the draft.