The first 2 articles dealt with the most accomplished running backs available in the free agent market. I’d like to say that the last are not the least, but for the most part they are (exception being Larry Johnson). So here are the remaining free agent running backs:
1 Aaron Stecker – Stecker came into the NFL in 1999 as an undrafted free agent signed by da Bears. Traded to the Bucs in 2000; he has spent most of his time as a kick/punt returner. His best year was with the Saints in 2005 where he accumulated 1,316 all purpose yards. He has been in the NFL for 10 years.
2 Adrian N. Peterson (no not that Adrian Peterson) – Adrian was also drafted by da Bears in 2002. Up until his 2009 post season release, he has spent his entire career with Chicago. His on field time has been split between running back and special teams. His best year was in 2007 when he played almost exclusively at running back. That year he rushed for 510 yards and had receptions for an additional 420.
3 Alonzo Coleman – Alonzo was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cowboys in 2007. He has no real stats as a professional player.
4 Chris R. Brown – Chris was selected by the Titans in the 2003 NFL draft. He spent his first season on the sidelines due to injuries. In 2004 he again suffered from injuries, but managed to rush for over 1,000 yards. In 2005 after surgeries on both ankles, he rushed for 851 yards. Since then Brown has seen diminished playing time with the Titans and then with the Texans in 2009.
5 Dantrell Savage – Dantrell was an undrafted free agent picked up by the Chiefs in 2008. His only time on the field in 2008 and 2009 has been on special teams. He has had some success returning kickoffs with a career average of 23.3 yards per carry.
6 Ladell Betts – Ladell was drafted by the Redskins in the 2002 draft. He has spent his entire NFL career playing for the Skins as both a running back and a returns specialist. His best year as running back was in 2006 when he rushed for 1,154 yards and had receptions for another 445. Out of his 7 years with the Skins he surpassed 1,000 all purpose yards (mostly on kick returns) 4 times.
The last 3 are after the jump!
7 Larry Johnson – Johnson was drafted by the Chiefs in 2003. He absolutely exploded in 2005 and 2006 with over 4,200 accumulated yards from scrimmage. He made the Pro Bowl both years and was selected First-Team All-Pro in 2006. Since then he has been unable to see another 1,000+ yard season. He has been plagued with injuries, apparent bad attitudes, and even some suspensions.
8 Marcus Mason – Picked up by the Chargers 3/8/10
9 Rock Cartwright – Rock was drafted by the Redskins in 2002. Although his title is that of a running back, most of his playing time has been in the role of kick returner. His best year as a running back was in 2003 when he accumulated 587 yards from scrimmage. From 2006 to 2009, as a kick returner, he has amassed over 5,500 all purpose yards. (He has only played for the Skins up to now.)
So out of all of the above only Larry Johnson is a pure running back. He’s extremely talented, but he’s also high maintenance. If he can get his head straight, I think he could still be a great value add to most teams. In regards to the other hybrid backs above, the following players get my ‘YES’ vote:
Dantrell Savage
Ladell Betts
Rock Cartwright
That’s about it. Enjoy all the free agency action. I look forward to hearing your thoughts
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