Free Agent Running Backs For Sale!!!

by umohan21 on Jul 25, 2011 1:04 PM EDT

It's been a while since my last FanPost guys, so take it easy on me...

But something has been flying under the radar these past couple months that has really caught my interest. There are two premium running backs slated to hit free agency this year, and it's startling to see that neither of their teams has made them a higher priority. Granted, I believe neither team will let these guys go easily, but my qualm is with how well LT can perform this year. Somehow I think Schotty will completely forget this guy is slowly hitting the wall and feed him the ball much more than he should, just like last season. If we got either of these guys, I'd have no problem letting LT go.

More after the jump.

1.) DeAngelo Williams - This guy is one hell of a runner. The fact that both Reggie Bush and Laurence Maroney BOTH came off the board before him, and he's put up better numbers (almost better than both of them combined) just amazes me. He's everything I would love to have in a ground and pound offense: he runs hard, fast and strong. He's quick enough to beat guys to the edge, and he's strong enough to break tackles. Every time a Carolina game is on, I always watch just to see DeAngelo run. This guy runs with a mission and he won't let anything get in his way. The instincts, and both the tangibles and intangibles are all there. He measures in at a current 5'9" and 217 lbs. He's coming off an injury, but he's still fresh enough at the age of 28. This guy can really have a long and productive career ahead of him, why not have it be with Gang Green? He's not the receiving back that LT can be, but I'd love to have him on as a compliment to Shonn Greene. With a 4.4 forty that I almost guarantee he can back up, why not bring him up north to play for good ol' Rex?

His numbers speak for themselves: 841 attempts for 4,201 yards for a 5.1 average. 'Nuff said.

2.) Darren Sproles - We already took LT from them, why not go for his supposed replacement? Sproles is a tiny terror. Only 5'6" and about 181 lbs, he raises some eyebrows on how he can keep up with the other big guys. But I'm pretty sure all of us have seen just how quick he is. He's a real speed demon and is a monster returning kicks. Everytime I see him run the ball my mouth drops. He's still really fresh also at age 28, but I don't see San Diego letting him go period. Just pairing him up with Shonn Greene as his power back would give defenses the shudders, especially behind our O-Line.

So what do you guys make of it? Am I crazy or do I have a point? Let me know who you would like to see here in green & white, and why (with a comment please)?

Poll

Who would you like to see in Green and White?

DeAngelo Williams

62 votes

Darren Sproles

15 votes

Other

30 votes

107 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 16 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I love Deangelo Williams.

I think he’ll be at a probowl level once he’s away from Carolina. That being said we’re stacked at running back. Maybe if we let LT go and get one of these guys for cheap it’d be ok; but it’d just be a luxury signing. I think we’re gonna focus on mostly our own FA’s.

by Jerrad p on Jul 25, 2011 1:28 PM EDT reply actions

True, but honestly

I feel DW would be a major improvement over 85% of the running backs we have now. If we got DW I’d cut LT and put Powell and McKnight to duke it out over the #3 spot. Whoever loses gets the practice squad.

by umohan21 on Jul 25, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

While I'd love a fresh new RB, it's just not likely.

We’re hurting for cap space and LT is only making 2 mil(approx) this year. The only way I’d be okay with pursuing another RB is if we can get something better for the same price or less as I think we have more pressing matters to clear up(see: Edwards/Holmes/Harris/Pool).

With that said, I’d prefer Jonathan Stewart or Ronnie Brown over DeAngelo. I think our run game was more potent with 2 thumpers (Jones and Greene) as opposed to our current ‘thunder & lightning’ combo (1 power, 1 speed).

by Re1gn on Jul 25, 2011 1:51 PM EDT reply actions

Wow... front page status...

I’m honored guys, thanks so much…

by umohan21 on Jul 25, 2011 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I don't want to spend the money on a new RB and I have no problem with cutting LT anyways.

I think that Shonn, Bilal Powell, and Joe together are a risk, but it would be a great helper to signing guys if LT could be cut.

by JetKing55 on Jul 25, 2011 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

I like D’Angelo – but the money is much better spent elsewhere…..we have probably the best RB corps in the league already.

by Ryan243 on Jul 25, 2011 4:12 PM EDT reply actions

Pipe dream

I loved D Will coming out of Memphis and wanted the Jets to Draft him. I thought he was better than Reggie Bush and Thought hed have a better career. When he was picked pick ahead of us by Carolina I had a fit! But with that Said Jets are set at RB and Dwill would cost too much but Id love to have him!

by Pr1meX on Jul 25, 2011 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

It’s a good write up but LT isn’t going anywhere this year and the Jets are forced to look at other more important needs than Running Back in my opinion. Other teams will offer too much for those RB’s and as long as Schotty feeds the ball to Greene and uses LT on a case by case scenerio smartly we’re in really good shape in the backfield.

I think Jim Leonhard should be in the next Nike "Boom" Commercial or at least the next time he makes one of those tackles he needs to jump up with a can of Kool-Aid and shout "Oh yeah".

by Tamarack on Jul 25, 2011 6:35 PM EDT reply actions

I think that’s the real problem right there; other teams will offer a lot more money for these guys, especially DeAngelo. He’s an every-down back you can build an offense around. I mean the guy is averaging 5.1 ypc on a team with nothing but garbage at QB and nobody on the O-line. That’s pretty impressive. Not to mention expensive…

by nationalist88 on Jul 26, 2011 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions

D-Will if...

We cut LT and he’ll play for the exact same amount.

by Crackback on Jul 25, 2011 7:35 PM EDT reply actions

which is unlikely

by Leamg on Jul 25, 2011 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions

No RB retreads, man

DeAngelo Williams is the only one worth looking at and he’s coming off an injury, and despite that he’ll still be expensive as hell. If there’s anything we’ve learned throughout the league, it’s that you can get good production out of damn near anyone if you’ve got the right scheme and linemen. Arian Foster—UDFA or 7th round pick I forget which, Woodhead and Law Firm—both UDFAs, Corey Ivy for the Saints last year—UDFA, LeGarrett freakin Blount—UDFA!

by Exystence on Jul 25, 2011 8:36 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Good points on those darkhorse RB’s, but isn’t Corey Ivy a DB in Baltimore?

by nationalist88 on Jul 26, 2011 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry guys but I just don't see why not.

I think we can definetly do this. I think it’s manageable provided we let some free agents (though I love every free agent we have) walk.

I just don’t see how we’re stocked at the position because LT doesn’t have many games left in him, and other than SG we don’t have another PROVEN commodity. That’s just me. Besides I know Rex would LOVE to have DeAngelo in his backfield.

by umohan21 on Jul 25, 2011 10:42 PM EDT reply actions

True.

But RB’s are one of the most replaceable positions in the game so I think it’s not gonna be a focus during this period, but you could be right..

by Jerrad p on Jul 26, 2011 2:13 AM EDT reply actions

NONE !

We have enough RB the only way I see this happening is if the Jets let LT walk and, one of the others gos down (god forbid) the Jets have much bigger concerns right now.

by JETSFAN IN SC on Jul 26, 2011 8:28 AM EDT reply actions