Looking at a Glimpse of the 2012 Free Agency: Running Back Edition

by AaronMannicci on Dec 27, 2011 11:45 PM CST

Many of the fans of Arrowhead Pride have been commenting, and making posts about how the Chiefs need a running back to go along with Jamaal Charles. Some people think the answer is in The Draft, but I think it's in free agency. Assuming that Thomas Jones won't re-sign this year, The Chiefs won't have a true backup other than Jackie Battle and Dexter Mccluster. Mccluster is good at WR, but I think the next few people I name can be great weapons in the Chiefs offense, and their 4-Back running game.

I think that Jackie Battle deserves another 1 or 2 year contract to see how he performs with Jamaal Charles, and that Thomas Jones will be released. So going intothis Know that The Chiefs depth Chart is:

1. Jamaal Charles

2. Jackie Battle

3. Dexter Mccluster

So, here are a few Running Back's that I think would be great additions for the Chiefs running game along with Star Jamaal Charles:

Some of the Main Free Agent Running Back's out there this year:

1. Ray Rice-Will Most likely re-sign since he is the biggest piece of the Ravens Offense

2. Matt Forte- Will also likely re-sign, but if not, would be too expensive for the Chiefs to have 2 big bargain Halfbacks on their roster.

3. Peyton Hillis- With all the Hillis drama in Cleveland this year, the Browns will be glad to let him explore free-agency this year. He would be a great addition to the Chiefs offense. With Him, and Charles, you couldn't ask for a better duo at the RB position- Speed and Power.

4. Mike Tolbert- I can't see San Diego them letting him go, especially along with the fact that Ryan Matthews has shown that he is very injury prone.

5. Ryan Grant- Ryan Grant's Value may have gone down this year, but he'd be a good addition to the Chiefs offense too. He can split carries with Charles, just how Jones did in 2010, but he is fairly better than Jones, and the Chiefs would have arguably the best Running Game.

6. Marshawn Lynch- Yes, he would be a Phenominal addition, but I can't see him leaving Seattle, and either way, it's very unrealistic he would end up here.

7. Cedric Benson- Cedric Benson has had some trouble with the law early in his career, but I think that's passed him now anyway. Out of all of the Running Back's listed here, I would like him on the Chiefs more than anybody. He's definitely a guy who would split carries with Charles how Jones did 2 years ago, but he'd be better. A LOT better. He would be able to let Charles take a load off, and by watching the game, you would never know that there was a backup running back ni the game. Actually, you'd think he was the starter. He's at the prime of his careere and to me, would be by far the best addition they could make to their offense this offseason.

8. LaDainian Tomlinson- Acquiring Tomlinson doesn't make much sense for either Him, or the Chiefs. They are building a young offense, and signing him would, be like signing Thomas Jones again, because they are both at the same stage of their career's. Also LaDainian is lookign for a real super bowl contender, and The Chiefs aren't that team for him.

Out of all these Free Agency options here, I think the most realistic ones, are with Benson, Hillis, and Grant. Any one of them would be a great addition to the team. Cedric Benson to me would be the right decision. But who would you like? Vote in the poll below (Rice,Lynch,Tolbert,Forte are not listed, for the reason next to their names), and comment on any other signings you'd like to see, and if you agree/disagree with anything in the post. There will be more from this soon, with the other Chiefs needs!

Poll

Who do you think is the best Option to Share Carries with Jamaal Charles next year?

LaDainian Tomlinson

1 votes

Cedric Benson

55 votes

Ryan Grant

48 votes

Peyton Hillis

157 votes

261 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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Add another option

Mike Tolbert. I would love to have the fatty be a one two punch with Charles. Great article. Also, there are some great options in the draft. I have been researching and there are massive power backs that will go undrafted and I could see the chiefs taking one of them. Also Jeff Demps out of Florida runs a 4.18 and could blow anyone off the field. And… a more recent notice is Lamar Miller out of Miami. This kid can run fast and put people on butts.

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Dec 27, 2011 11:59 PM CST reply actions

Yeah

Yes, i know but i think that they should take their most important needs in the draft. As in O-line, D-line, and linebackers and maybe even corners. this draft isnt that high in running backs, but the free agency is. And free agency is a ton safer for a RB to share carries with, because you know exactly what your getting with. They have tried drafting some RB’s for 2nd string before, such as Kolby Smith, Javarris Williams, and they arent in the league. I agree with what your saying though, but I think that free agency is much safer, and better. But I see your point. And I would love the fatty in the backfield too, but I can’t see the Chargers letting him go, because Ryan Matthews and Tolbert are a great duo, and also because Matthews cannot stay healthy, and Tolbert is a great backup and fits right in there in their offense. I like him though. Wow this was a long comment

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 12:10 AM CST reply actions

And

I do like Jeff Demps but I think if they do go for a RB in the draft they would take somebody who isn’t as much injury prone, and someone with a better chance at being a good back.

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 12:11 AM CST reply actions

Yeah basically what i was saying is

Free agency is safer but Pioli does not like to work through it. and every year there are tons of running backs in the 3rd round and lower that become elite backs, Charles, Hillis, Foster, just to name a few. and spending a late round draft pick on someone that could be elite is a risk that i think pioli would be willing to take

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Dec 28, 2011 12:35 AM CST reply actions

Thomas Jones, LeRon McClain

I would say it is more likely he does add a RB via FA than doesn’t.

by kcsno56 on Dec 28, 2011 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

Peyton Hillis is my choice

Cedric Benson is the definition of average. I wouldn’t mind overpaying a bit for Marshawn Lynch. When he’s motivated he can straight ball

KC Draft prediction: No OT taken in first round

by trentchiefsfan on Dec 28, 2011 1:51 AM CST reply actions

So if we are overpaying for him, what would be his motivation on this team?

I'm so overrated, I'm underrated.

by RememberDelaney37 on Dec 28, 2011 5:04 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I dunno just saying he may be motivated with a new team and a some whaat better team than Buffalo and Seattle

Still don’t think we’d get him anyway. he’d be expensive which goes against what Pioli would be thinking, plus Seattle will pay a lot to keep him there. The fan base love him

KC Draft prediction: No OT taken in first round

by trentchiefsfan on Dec 28, 2011 6:14 AM CST up reply actions

good point

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Dec 28, 2011 8:59 AM CST up reply actions

ageed, but...

long in the tooth, I think we will draft a guy this year mid rounds,.. these guys are all getting old we don’t need another TJ, although thanks for his services

by tomachop on Dec 30, 2011 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

Problem with RB's in FA is that they have all had hard use in the league and with a few exceptions

breakdown easily. I see a guy like Helu from last year, late round draft choice, being able to contribute w/o taking much from the draft choices and would be cheaper to boot. Also, where is the big back from oakland at in you post? I agree with the idea of bringing in competition at the position, and upgrading the o-line, but would rather see some FA o-linemen than RB. So my scenario is FA o-line, draft best player available to fix a need at a starter’s position that isn’t addressed in FA. The kid from Memphis at NT/DE is an agile 350 pounder and an intriguing prospect. Also, I am really high on the OT Adams, another agile big man.

by dubld on Dec 28, 2011 7:48 AM CST reply actions

I know dubld

I know that Running Back isn’t their only, or biggest need, but I’m doing a post like this for all of their positions and thought I’d start at the Running Back position.

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 9:14 AM CST up reply actions

#MCCLAIN4RB

Mo Carries, Mo Touchdowns™.

TOUCHDOWN! KAN-SAH-CITY!!!

by TheScootness on Dec 28, 2011 7:51 AM CST reply actions 2 recs

Yeah but

Marshawn Lynch would not leave Seattle becauase the fan base loveshim, the seahawks are on the way up, and he’s the main part of their offense so they wouldn’t want to let him go. i’d want him though if he was in FA

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 9:05 AM CST reply actions

some things are worth repeating ...

Twisted Lord of AP Color Commentary (H/T - Loco)
Winner: 2009 Nostradamus of Arrowhead Pride Award
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Dec 28, 2011 9:07 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

How About you actually talk football instead of telling me to press reply.

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 1:59 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

my apologies for trying to help you out, I assure you it won't happen again

by upamtn on Dec 28, 2011 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

stop being a rude asshole

KC Draft prediction: No OT taken in first round

by trentchiefsfan on Dec 29, 2011 5:12 AM CST up reply actions

How can you mend a broken heart?

How can you stop the rain from falling down? How can you stop the sun from shining? What makes the world go round?

"An atheist is a man who watches a Notre Dame - Southern Methodist University game and doesn't care who wins." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

by electriclight on Dec 29, 2011 6:11 AM CST up reply actions

Ducttape

Don’t be out in the rain

Don’t be out in the sunlight

A big hoola-hoop

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
Alameda Ta’amu NT/DE 2012 Draftee

by BAMFSpecialOps on Dec 29, 2011 8:23 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

your no fun :)

by Steve_Chiefs on Dec 28, 2011 9:07 AM CST reply actions

I know, but I do have my reasons ;-)

by upamtn on Dec 28, 2011 9:09 AM CST up reply actions

Cedric Bensaon and Hillis

To me are the 2 most realistic options. They both are going to be free agents, because cedric benson, has been in trouble with the bengals, and Peyton Hillis hasn said that he doesn’t want to play in cleveland anymore. I can’t see Hillis coming here, But I can see Cedric Benson coming here, and playing very well With Charles, Battle, and Mccluster.

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 9:12 AM CST reply actions

We do need a RB that can eat up yards and eat up carries without missing JC.

A RB who can Run block as well as pick up blitzes.
A RB who can stretch wide as well as cut back.
A RB who can pound it for tough yards.

Draft:
2nd or 3rd
Polk (WA, 222 lbs)
Lamar Miller (Miami, 212 lbs)
Ball (Wisc, 212 lbs)
Wilson (Va Tech, 205 lbs)
4th Cyrus Gray (Tx A&M, 200 lbs)
Herron (OSU, 208 lbs)
5th Ballard (Ms St, 220 lbs)
Poole (TN, 215 lbs)
6th Meggett (MD, 215 lbs)
Bolden (MS, 221 lbs)
Rainey (Western Kty, 205 lbs)
7th Tyler (USC, 230 lbs)

"You talkin' to me? You TALKIN' to me ?" - Travis Bickle

by CatChief on Dec 28, 2011 9:43 AM CST reply actions

I'd see Ballard in 5th as the best value.

"You talkin' to me? You TALKIN' to me ?" - Travis Bickle

by CatChief on Dec 28, 2011 9:45 AM CST up reply actions

I like Montee Ball in the 3rd

Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories.

by KingChief on Dec 28, 2011 9:45 AM CST up reply actions

Montee Ball will not be around in the 3rd

and if we are going to spend a 2nd rounder on someone, I would rather it be Lamar Miller. Look this guy up he is going to be great

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Dec 28, 2011 9:47 AM CST up reply actions

Haven't seen Miller

but I have heard good things about him and heard he could blow up at the combine and with the oline and dline needs we have, I would rather use a 2nd there instead of a RB. To be honest, even though I like Ball, I would rather us get an UDFA for RB since they seem to produce just as good in the NFL. See Priest Holmes, Ryan Grant,and Arian Foster for proof.

Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories.

by KingChief on Dec 28, 2011 11:01 AM CST up reply actions

exactly

Pioli loves those low risk high reward players

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Dec 28, 2011 3:42 PM CST up reply actions

I like Polk alot

He ran behind a crap oline and still put up big numbers. Hes a great one cut runner which works with our offense.

"Give them nothing! But take from them everything!"

by GenericBrand on Dec 28, 2011 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

My vote is for Ryan Grant

he’s versatile and quick, and can fill in if JC is out… or run some of the same plays JC can run, to keep defenses guessing.

everyone seems to think KC really needs another “power back”… but with Battle and McClain on the roster, what KC REALLY needs is someone who can fill Charles’ shoes if he’s not in there.

Grant can catch, run and pick up blitzes… his production dipped, but I think a change in scenery would do him well.

by stagdsp on Dec 28, 2011 9:51 AM CST reply actions

Key here I think is McClain

We need to re-sign him before even considering bringing in another back.

"Give them nothing! But take from them everything!"

by GenericBrand on Dec 28, 2011 12:05 PM CST up reply actions

agree, 100%

I don’t know who’s more important, him, Bowe or Carr… but they damn well better sign all 3

by stagdsp on Dec 28, 2011 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

Remember, the key word is "backup"

Some of these big names know they are going to be sharing carries with Jamaal Charles. They are going to want to be feature backs and want feature back money. Do you really think Pioli is going to do that? So I think the most realistic option in the poll would be Tomlinson because he is more of a complimentary back nowadays.

by old_school on Dec 28, 2011 10:03 AM CST via mobile reply actions

No

They don’t need a backup they need someone to share carries with him just how Thomas jones did with Charles last year. They were #1 in rushing in the league last year with them 2 sharing carries. Jones will be gone so try need somebody else so share with him and any of these guys would make their running game unstoppable. I prefer Hilliis or Benson.

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 10:51 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Perhaps the word backup doesn't apply

Still, no big name is going to want a “shared carries” sized contract.

by old_school on Dec 28, 2011 3:27 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Yes they will

Jamaal Charles is a big name and he did it with Jones. Darren McFadden is a big name and he does it with Bush. The options in the poll are all guys who have shared carries. LT and Green. Benson and Scott. Grant and Starks. Hollis is the only exception

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 4:17 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

McFadden can't stay healthy, they have to have someone to take the ball when he goes down

Greene and LT are different backs, LT is the better pass protector and receiver
Scott is better out of the backfield than Benson
Grant has been a liability to stay healthy IIRC
Hillis has had a few good years…

Most of your choices are completely different backs.. like how AD shared carries with Taylor, because Taylor was the better receiver.. Peterson has now improved in that aspect and is in the game more often.

MJD takes most of his teams carries, and stays in on passing situations due to being able to catch the ball, same with Rice, Forte, etc

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
Alameda Ta’amu NT/DE 2012 Draftee

by BAMFSpecialOps on Dec 29, 2011 8:26 AM CST up reply actions

Michael Bush

Arrowhead pride addict

by groundedchevy on Dec 28, 2011 11:32 AM CST reply actions

He won't leave Oakland. Raiders just got good and he plays a perfect role there. It'd be dumbs for him to leave and I don't think there's any chance he would. That's why he isn't there. But if he does go in free agency he'd be a great pickup.

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 12:11 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Cap space

Does Oakland have enough cap space to pay him and McFadden? I have no idea but seems like a lot for a team having issues last year.

Arrowhead pride addict

by groundedchevy on Dec 28, 2011 12:59 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

with that said...

I doubt we will have a chance…there will be teams that will look better to him…chance to be a primary back and probably willing to pay more for a featured back

Arrowhead pride addict

by groundedchevy on Dec 28, 2011 1:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

What about Ganaway

the RB from Baylor in the late rounds or UDFA

Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories.

by KingChief on Dec 28, 2011 12:40 PM CST reply actions

Perfect fit

He is a bruiser that could wear out the defense for charles to take it outside

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Dec 28, 2011 3:47 PM CST up reply actions

michael bush

Michael Bush or Monte Ball.

by michaelaglover on Dec 28, 2011 12:56 PM CST reply actions

I don't really care much for any of these options.

I love Forte but he’s a starter, not a backup.

I completely disagree with you on Cedric Benson, I think he is LJ of 2009. He’ll say and do the right things in practice but he’s more drama and trouble than what his production is worth. I could very well be wrong about that and if we sign him I sure hope I am.

I do think before we look into another back we need to lock down McClain. I hope with Battle likely out this Sunday he sees a huge increase in carries. It worked in the Packer game… just sayin.

by Spiderwomn69 on Dec 28, 2011 1:54 PM CST reply actions

I see Where youd think that

But I think if Crennel is the coach, he’d be able to straighten him out enough so that he’s not in trouble with the law. We saw on the green bay week how players changed and how they already loved him and they were chanting “Romeo!” in the locker room. He got them to believe in him within a few days. I think he’ll be able to get Benson to stay out of trouble in his tender with KC if Crennel is coach

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 2:49 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I don't necessarily think a player's coach

is going to be any better at keeping players out of trouble than any other type of coach. If anything, they will feel more free to do what they want.

by old_school on Dec 28, 2011 3:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I just hope JC returns to full speed.

by fanofchiefs on Dec 28, 2011 2:25 PM CST reply actions

I know every player heals differently

but Ryan Grant has look fine after returning from his knee injury last year

Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories.

by KingChief on Dec 28, 2011 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

that scares me...

Usually those speed backs are never the same after a big injury. He may have lost a step. Lets hope he didnt

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Dec 28, 2011 3:49 PM CST up reply actions

Wes Welker claims he's faster and quicker then he's ever been since his repair.

For alot of these guys the rehab for that injury is so intense that they actually get in better shape and have better mechanics then they did before the injury.

"Give them nothing! But take from them everything!"

by GenericBrand on Dec 28, 2011 5:21 PM CST up reply actions

Priest Holmes said the same....

Holmes also said that sometime you push the “real” knee too hard due. The thing that worries me is that Welker said he wasn’t full speed until this year. It might be a blessing the Charles went down so early in the season.

Arrowhead pride addict

by groundedchevy on Dec 29, 2011 8:40 AM CST up reply actions

Knees typically take 18-24 months to get back to 100%

I really hope the extra time benefits Charles and I feel bad for AP especially when their offense depends on him so much that I could see him forcing/rushing his way back.

"Give them nothing! But take from them everything!"

by GenericBrand on Dec 29, 2011 5:31 PM CST up reply actions

I bet we get the Law Firm...

Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis. He wouldn’t bitch or moan about splitting carries w/ Jamal. He could be our in between tackles type, and we could sign him without breaking the bank.

by Crown Chief on Dec 28, 2011 2:27 PM CST reply actions

Yeah he'd actually be really nice f they don't reign him. I forgot about him! Plus pooling likes guys from NE

by AaronMannicci on Dec 28, 2011 2:45 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

And didn't NE draft 2 running backs last year?

Arrowhead pride addict

by groundedchevy on Dec 29, 2011 8:41 AM CST up reply actions

They Have Kevin Faulk, 2 rookies, Danny Woodhead, and Green Ellis.

If they were to give up Green Ellis, it wouldn’t hurt them that much. But what we have to reralize (i know what i said before but i realized this) is not many RB’s will want to come here in the first p;ace. And nobody really wants to share carries in the prime of their career. I think we’ll get somebosy that is a potential starter and the only one that i now think is realistic here is Ryan Grant.

by AaronMannicci on Dec 29, 2011 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

------And Maybe Green Ellis

by AaronMannicci on Dec 29, 2011 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

I agree to an extent...

Let’s look at teams that are looking for a Back…

Browns (They may more forward with Hardesty most likely Hillis will be gone)
Bengals (Unless the resign Benson which I think they will)
Vikings (Nasty injury to AP but they won’t be looking for a primary back)
Packers (If they don’t resign Grant but I don’t think they would mind an upgrade to Starks)

Most teams appear set with their primary running back. Unless the Bears, Ravens, or Seattle are unable to sign their guy. The Bengals are the most appealing team to a #1 back. The Browns are the Browns, and the Packers throw the ball too much. The Vikings will want insurance but no one wants to be on a team with AP moving forward. All the sudden splitting carries with a speedster like Charles looks like a pretty good option.

Arrowhead pride addict

by groundedchevy on Dec 29, 2011 9:40 AM CST up reply actions

Out of those options I would prefer Hillis

but he may be a head case and could demand some money.

Insert witty yet thought provoking phrase here.

by Fozzyboyd on Dec 29, 2011 9:46 AM CST reply actions

fred jackson in contract year

new here so i hope this looks right. Fred jackson is in a contract year and spiller showed up in his absence, its possible jackson is on the market. as a slightly bigger yet still speed type guy he would fit in well with the offense. His leg injury could make him cheap as well.

by x11Bravox on Dec 30, 2011 12:16 AM CST reply actions