2008’s Top Free Agents: Running Backs

When the NFL season comes to a close, another begins. It may be called the offseason, but as any fan knows, the NFL is a year-round sport that doesn’t end when the games cease to be played.

Among the notable attractions of the offseason is free agency. It’s where teams will rebuild before the draft and some can become almost instant winners by acquiring the right set of playmakers on offense and defense or else fill needs with veteran players.

Whatever your team needs, it starts with free agency. With that in mind, here are the top running backs who will be either unrestricted free agents (UFA) or restricted free agents (RFA) following the 2007 season.

The Top 5

1. Michael Turner - UFA - San Diego Chargers

After serious rumors last offseason that Michael Turner would be traded to a team - the Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans, and Buffalo Bills were those rumored to have set up a deal with San Diego - it seems almost certain the Chargers will let Turner go to explore free agency. And when he does, there’s no doubt he’ll find some suitors willing to try him out as a starting running back. In his stay with the Chargers he’s managed a lifetime yards per carry average of 5.6 and in each of the past three seasons he’s managed at least one run of 70 or more yards. A playmaker, Turner is the top free agent of 2008.

2. Marion Barber - RFA - Dallas Cowboys

It seems incredibly unlikely the Cowboys will let Marion Barber go after the career season he’s had in 2007. His numbers are through the roof, averaging 5.0 yards per carry and scoring 10 times on the ground. And he’s not half-bad as a receiver either, with 43 catches he’s fourth on the team with twice as many as Julius Jones.

3. Jamal Lewis - UFA - Cleveland Browns

If 2007 was a test season for Lewis in Cleveland, he’s certainly passed with flying colors. Despite career setbacks over the past several seasons he’s posting his best numbers since 2004. He’s made the most out of his 273 carries (through 14 games), gaining more yardage than he did in 2006 despite more than 40 fewer carries. And for only the second time in his career Lewis has a double digit touchdown total. Unless the Browns decide his contract - which will certainly be more than the $3.5 million total salary this past season - is not worth renewing the 28-year old running back should find a home in Cleveland for at least a few more seasons as he rebuilds his career.

4. Fred Taylor - UFA - Jacksonville Jaguars

Fred Taylor has caught media attention for the career season he’s had in 2007 at age 31. He’s outperformed the young Maurice Jones-Drew, averaging more yards per carry than the youngster (5.4 vs. 4.6). But then again, Taylor hasn’t been a receiving or touchdown threat this season. Jones-Drew has nearly twice as many scores on the ground with 9 to Taylor’s 5 and Jones-Drew has contributed to the passing game with 40 receptions (407 yards), second most on the team. It would make sense the Jaguars let Taylor go while focusing all attention on Jones-Drew beginning next season. Taylor’s biggest bust factor: his age. At 31, his numbers this season are an anomaly for backs his age. Expect a serious drop-off from this season no matter the role he plays in any team’s offense next season.

5. Julius Jones - UFA - Dallas Cowboys

Is there any way Julius Jones beats out Marion Barber for the starting role in Dallas (and a new contract)? This was the season that mattered for Jones and he failed to get any mileage out of his 156 carries. His yard per carry average: a paltry 3.7. His touchdown total: 2. Expect him to hit free agency as the Cowboys opt to re-sign Marion Barber as the team’s feature back.

The Best of the Rest

6. Justin Fargus - UFA - Oakland Raiders

1000 yards rushing. In Oakland. Really.

7. Chris Brown - UFA - Tennessee Titans

Consistency has been a burden his entire career, but at age 26 Brown should be hitting his prime. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been a feature back this season because LenDale White has stolen the bulk of the load.

8. Derrick Ward - RFA - New York Giants

If the Giants let him, Ward is a good option for some teams out there looking for a back with relatively little proven, but someone who has also shown signs of serious potential while filling in for Brandon Jacobs.

9. TJ Duckett - UFA - Detroit Lions

A goal line back, Duckett has managed a 5.9 yard per carry average this past season. Still, he hasn’t shown signs he can be a feature back in any offense.

10. Vernand Morency - RFA - Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have shown a running back can succeed in their offense, but his name is Ryan Grant, not Vernand Morency. And after investing a draft choice in Brandon Jackson, it would make sense for the Packers to go in a different direction. Expect him to land a role as a backup elsewhere.

Other Names You Should Know

Cedric Cobbs - RFA - Denver Broncos

Noah Herron - RFA - Green Bay Packers

Maurice Hicks - UFA - San Francisco 49ers

Travis Minor - UFA - St. Louis Rams

Mewelde Moore - UFA - Minnesota Vikings
Artose Pinner - UFA - Minnesota Vikings

Musa Smith - UFA - Baltimore Ravens

Tyson Thompson - RFA - Dallas Cowboys

LaBrandon Toefield - UFA - Jacksonville Jaguars