A Word on Free Agent Running Backs

Free agency starts Friday, and Browns fans have themselves in a bit of a “tizzy” when it comes to several available running backs.  Those running backs?

LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, and Thomas Jones.  The problems?

First, the age of the backs: when the season starts Tomlinson will be 31, Westbrook will be 31, and Jones will be 32.

It is a popular notion that running backs falter at 30.  This comes from two realities: injuries and fatigue.  For example, through his career, Westbrook has had (at least) a torn triceps, a mid-foot injury, concerns about a swollen knee, a rib injury, an ankle injury, and last season suffered two concussions.

Also, although Jones rushed for 1,400 yards last year, Jones looked tired and worn down at the end of the season.  This was evident through the Jets’ use of Shonn Greene more at the end of the season and throughout the playoffs.  This may be because Jones has rushed for 1,000 yards for the last five seasons.

Similarly, Tomlinson rushed for at least 1200 yards each season until 2008, where he managed to get 1100 yards, but averaged only 17 carries a game, and last year’s 730 yard disappointment.

Seriously Browns fans?  You don’t remember the Jamal Lewis experiment?

If there is a running back 30+ that deserves mention among Browns fans its Chester Taylor.  Although 30 years old, he has only had 300+ attempts in a season once (in 2006).  Besides that year, he only averaged 103 carries a year.  Basically, he is not worn down as much as Jones, Westbrook, or Tomlinson.

Second, the misconception of the Browns needing an veteren back to “mentor” the young Browns backs.  As I told a friend the other day, that is why the Browns pay their running back coach.  Also, Harrison is 27 years old, and has been in the league four years.  He is not really a “young” back.  Finally, it is a waste of a roster spot to simply get a running back to “mentor” others.

Third, another friend mentioned that we should get Thomas Jones because “you don’t need the answer when you’re not a contender.”  I think that is just wrong.  Because the Browns are not contenders, they need a young running back to groom for the future, not waste money and resources for a back that will not help the Browns’ plans for the future.

In fact, I don’t think they should sign a free agent running back at all.

Rather, the Browns should draft a young running back with their Round 2 or Round 3 selection.  Possibly Jahvid Best or Joe McKnight in Round 2 or Toby Gerhart in Round 3.  Bring those running backs up instead of receiving 2-3 years of adequate production from an aging running back.

Here is the list of possible Free Agent Running Backs (ages in parentheses, tenders in brackets):

Leon Washington – Jets (28) – Restricted FA [2nd Round Tender]

Willie Parker – Steelers (29) – UFA

Pierre Thomas – Saints (25) – Restricted FA [2nd Round Tender]

Jerome Harrison – Browns (27) – Restricted FA [Will be tendered]

Darren Sproles – Chargers (27) – UFA

Le’Ron McClain – Ravens (25) – Fullback – Restricted FA [Likely 1st or 2nd Round Tender]

Cadillac Williams – Buccaneers (28) – Restricted FA

Mike Bell, New Orleans Saints (27) – Restricted FA [low tender, no compensation to Saints for match]

LenDale White, Tennessee Titans (25) – Restricted FA [2nd Round Tender]

Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons (27) – Restricted FA

Other Notable Free Agents:

Kenneth Darby, Rams (27) – Restricted FA
Kevin Faulk, Patriots (34) – UFA
Adrian Peterson, Bears (31) – UFA
Kolby Smith, Chiefs (25) – Restricted FA
Jason Snelling, Falcons (26) – Restricted FA
DeShawn Wynn, Packers (26) – Restricted FA
Justin Griffith,Seahawks (30) – Fullback – UFA
John Kuhn, Packers (27) – Fullback – Restricted FA
Tony Richardson, Jets (38) – Fullback – UFA
Naufahu Tahi, Vikings (28) – Fullback – Restricted FA
Mike Tolbert, Chargers (24) – Fullback – Exclusive Rights FA
Leonard Weaver, Eagles (27) – Fullback – Restricted FA

* * * * *

Less than 24-hours to go before free agency begins.  Should be fun!

~Nichiren