One of the reasons Adrian Peterson remains an option for some teams is the way he stays in football shape. Known for his powerful running style and breakaway speed, Peterson has consistently demonstrated his ability to gain tough yards even at an older age. Despite not signing on with a team last season Peterson has stayed ready.

Adrian Peterson’s refusal to retire reflects his unwavering determination and resilience. Despite facing challenges throughout his career, including injuries and team transitions, Peterson has shown he can bounce back. His competitive drive and desire to make an impact on the field motivates him as he wants to prove that he still has plenty to offer. This mindset makes him an ideal mentor to younger players. The question now is will a team come knocking?

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By: Jake Rajala

The Carolina Panthers officially (and tragically for countless Panthers fans) moved on from Christian McCaffrey. It’s poetic for 49ers nation that CMAC returned to the bay (as he dominated foes at Stanford). It should still be discussed for Carolina Panthers which RB may be a good replacement option for his services. Hence, I’m going to untwine a few potential replacement options for Christian McCaffrey.

• David Johnson

The once all-purpose juggernaut RB for the Arizona Cardinals, David Johnson, has yet to join a football club in 2022. Johnson recorded 453 all-purpose yards (228 rushing yds and 225 receiving yds) a season ago. He was a modest ball-carrier in 2020 (691 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, 4.7 YPC, and 314 receiving yds).

• Latavius Murray

The 6’4 RB, Latavius Murray isn’t a stranger to the NFC South — as he previously went to battle for the New Orleans Saints. Murray has bounced around a couple of teams this season, so he has had his feet wet. He certainly isn’t a long-term fit in the Carolinas, but it may be wise for CAR to insert him in their offense in the short-term picture.

• Adrian Peterson

All-Day has refused to die in the back stages of his career. It wasn’t that long ago that AP registered 604 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns (2020). Plus, the future Hall of Famer would be an excellent veteran presence for any interested squad.

• Alfred Morris

It may feel like a millennia ago that Alfred Morris was stomping over opponents in Washington, but he can still be a serviceable RB for any team with interest. Morris can also excel in the pass game — which can help heal the wound left by McCaffrey.

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Adrian Peterson has had a legendary career in the NFL, that much is undoubted.  5th all-time in rushing yards at 14,918, 4th all-time in rushing touchdowns at 120, and 10th all-time in total touchdowns at 126.  There are very few players in the history of the league who have accomplished what AP has done.  However, at 36 years years of age (37 on March 21st), we do not know much about what he could provide to an NFL team.  In this article, I will cover 3 teams that could sign AP for 2022, as well as why they should.

New York Giants

The Giants clearly need someone to handle some of the workload for Saquon Barkley and give him a chance to rest some downs rather than be a workhorse.  With this, the Giants could use Peterson as the Lions did in 2020, to pace D’Andre Swift.  Letting AP run as the primary ball carrier is mostly gone nowadays as his efficiency is not as good.  However, letting him be a change of pace back who can get a few yards and give Barkley a break may not be the worst idea for the New York football Giants. 

Miami Dolphins

With Malcolm Brown and Duke Johnson both set to hit free agency, the Dolphins could be looking for another 3^rd down back to bring in to complement Myles Gaskin and Phillip Lindsay.  While AP would not be the starter, as mentioned previously, it would be beneficial for him to get snaps as a rotational back and be thrown out onto the field in good scenarios where he can get the first.  Giving a young offense with Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle a veteran presence also would not hurt to improve the structure of the team.

Indianapolis Colts

Obviously, we all know by now that the Colts have a phenomenal running back in Jonathan Taylor, however giving him a back to take a few snaps and let JT catch his breath may be good for his career.  With many of the premier backs suffering injuries due to overuse as a workhorse in the last few years (Todd Gurley, Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, etc.) giving Taylor a suitable backup would be helpful to say the least. 

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The Cincinnati Bengals clawed their way through the 2021 season and swept the Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC Championship. Cincy may have come utterly close to being crowned Super Bowl championships, but they still have room for improvement. They don’t need to improve because they were the second-best team in the league, but it’s because they don’t have one of the most well-balanced rosters in the league.

It’s widely enunciated that the Bengals offensive line needs to be improved, but there is one other position that could be boosted this offseason. The Bengals RB position could be upgraded, especially in the 2022 free agency period. The Bengals RB Samaje Perine isn’t a superb RB2 and complement to Joe Mixon. It would make sense if the team with the fourth-most cap space in the league added more juice at the RB position. The Bengals were also 23rd in rushing yards a season ago, so it would be ideal for the Bengals to bring in more power at the half-back spot. Here are a few running backs that the Bengals could look at in free agency.

Giovani Bernard

It would be poetic for the former Bengals RB Giovani Bernard to reunite with his beloved team. He of course played with the Bengals from 2013 to 2020. Bernard was catching passes from Tom Brady in 2021, but he can go to the dark side and fit in well as an all-purpose RB in Cincy.

He wasn’t a slouch with the Bengals prior to his exit. He recorded six total touchdowns in 2020 and 771 total yards last season. He would be a sure-fire upgrade over Perine and he might even take less money to chase a Super Bowl with his ex-team. Let’s be honest – Who Dey nation wants Bernard back in the Jungle.

James White

The Bengals could look to take some of James White’s Super Bowl dust and insert him into their robust offensive lineup. White is a nice, versatile RB that can help wear down defenses and make catches from great matchups out of the backfield. He is a more impressive pure runner than Perine and essentially a better all-purpose back than Mixon’s backup. He can be the RB they’ve been missing without Giovani Bernard.

White only played in three games in 2021 due to a hip injury that occurred in their third game against the New Orleans Saints. White wasn’t outstanding in 2020 with the Cam Newton-led offense, but he did have 908 total yards and six touchdowns in 2019. He could be in awe of the fit and contract in Cincy.

Ty Montgomery

The former Packers and Saints all-purpose RB Ty Montgomery would be a fine addition to Zac Taylor’s collection. Montgomery will likely not be brought back by the Saints cap-strapped team that already has Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, and the potential breakout RB Tony Jones.

Montgomery wouldn’t be a big-name signing, but he could be a good value pickup. He has six rushing touchdowns in the past two seasons for the Saints, but he hasn’t ousted a 400+ total yard season since 2018. Montgomery brings special team value, as well.

Cordarrelle Patterson

The former All-Pro kick returner would be an exciting addition to the Bengals offense. The Bengals have the money and jewelry to impress Patterson. The former Vikings first-round pick unveiled a career season in 2021, as he recorded 1,166 total yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Atlanta Falcons could rebuild and I don’t expect him to return to his prior scheme. Patterson would be the ultimate x-factor as the RB2, slot WR, and special teamer in the pivotal playoffs next season. We saw the Bengals get creative by having Mixon throw a touchdown to Tee Higgins. Zac Taylor and Patterson are truly destined to be together.

Adrian Peterson

The future Hall of Fame RB might appear as washed up at age 36, but I believe AD can be potent with limited snaps in the right scheme. Peterson could quietly be a fine RB2 for the Bengals squad. Peterson is also chasing his first Lombardi trophy and he can potentially fulfill his wishes with Cincy and Joe Cool.

The former Vikings All-Pro RB notched 604 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns in 2020. He wasn’t in elite shape last season, as he picked up 106 total yards and two total touchdowns. Peterson really wanted a ring with the Saints, but his personality conflicted with Payton. I expect the hungry AD to play one more season and the mutual interest could arise between the Bengals and Peterson in the near future or in pre-season.

The post 5 free agent running back targets the Cincinnati Bengals could target in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Daniel Racz @Danny___Dimes  

Introduction

A perfect storm was brewing for Cam Akers in 2021. A solid offensive line, an improved quarterback and an assumed three-down role. Sadly, Akers tore his Achilles during a pre-training camp practice. The Rams’ current backfield consists of Darrell Henderson Jr., Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais, Otis Anderson, and Jake Funt. Though the Rams’ front office and head coach Sean McVay have said that they do not plan to immediately bring in more competition, it is unlikely that the room remains the same throughout the offseason.

The current free agent options are serviceable at best, but the Rams will need to go bargain hunting to piece together a competent running back room. Though none of the available players are uber-athletic, there are experienced veterans and pass catchers that could be of use to the Rams.

Duke Johnson

Duke Johnson Jr. has no business sitting in free agency while running backs like Carlos Hyde and Devontae Booker have defined roles. Since entering the league, Johnson has totaled over 300 receptions and almost 3,000 receiving yards out of the backfield.

If the Rams were to sign Johnson, it would be as a complementary piece in their committee. Darrell Henderson has not been used as a pass-catcher with the Rams, so signing Johnson would give them an impact player in the passing game. Johnson’s 4.51 speed on his 210-pound frame is nothing more than average, but the Rams should be thrilled with league-average production right now.

Adrian Peterson

AP is quietly still a capable running back. In his past three seasons, he has totaled over 2,500 yards on the ground and 450 yards as a receiver. Peterson also has 20 total touchdowns since 2018. Peterson ranked 13th in yards created per touch and 31st in evaded tackles last year, per player profile. Though these metrics are not anything special, Peterson has proved that he still has enough juice left in the tank. 

The Rams can deploy Peterson on any down and trust him to be a willing pass protector. AP’s experience across over a decade in the league is invaluable, and he could benefit the franchise more than any other free agent. 

Todd Gurley

The divorce between the Los Angeles Rams and Todd Gurley was ugly. Gurley even claimed that some of his game checks were not delivered. All that said, the Rams bringing in Todd Gurley makes too much sense, if Gurley is open to a reunion. The Rams would love a running back that has a deep knowledge of their system, like Gurley. The comfort level that Gurley has with coach McVay’s system is an immediate bonus. 

Gurley is no longer an elite running back. However, it has been demonstrated that teams can win games without high-end backs. The Chiefs won a super bowl with Damien Williams as their lead back in 2019 and the Buccaneers won in 2020 with Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones. Gurley, Darrell Henderson, and Raymond Calais would be one of the worst running back rooms in the league, but it just might be enough to get by.

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By: Reese Nasser

Running back Adrian Peterson has been one of the league’s most polarizing players since he entered the league in 2007. He has filled the NFL record book, achieving things that most players at his position can only dream to achieve. 

But at age 36, Peterson is trying to prove that he still has gas left in the tank. The 14-year NFL veteran is still currently a free agent and is trying to find a home for the 2021 season. 

Peterson spent his entire 2020 season with the Detroit Lions. He appeared in all 16 games and started 10. In his lone season with Detroit, Peterson reached the end zone seven times and gained 705 yards from scrimmage on 168 touches.
Petersons ability to still perform at a consistent level has led many to wonder where he will play this season. A return to the Lions could be a real possibility and be a win-win situation for both teams.

The Lions depth chart currently lacks a truly established veteran running back. Second year running back D’Andre Swift will be the lead back in 2021, regardless of who else the team adds before the season starts. Swift played well in his rookie season, appearing in 13 games where he scored 10 times and had 878 yards from scrimmage. 

The real issue begins when you look past Swift. The lack of depth could lead to the Lions needing to bring in extra running backs. Outside of Swift, there is just one back on the roster that has played in the NFL; Jamaal Williams. Williams spent the past four seasons with the Green Bay Packers where he played in 60 games. He scored 18 total touchdowns and was effective in both the pass and run game. 

The next two stored backs are both rookies; Jermar Jefferson and Dedrick Mills. Jefferson was selected in the seventh round. The Oregon State product scored 29 touchdowns for the Beavers, with 27 of them coming on the ground. Dedrick Mills spent time at both Georgia Tech and Nebraska. He finished with just over 2100 yards from scrimmage and 26 touchdowns. 

Between all four rostered backs in Detroit, there are just 73 NFL games played. The clear lack of experience could be the driving force in bringing Adiran Peterson back for one more season. Peterson has still been one of the more explosive players at his position over the past few seasons. 

His ability to consistently stay on the field could also be a reason that the Lions bring Peterson back. In the past three seasons, he has missed just one game and has performed well whenever he has stepped onto the field. 

Arguably the biggest reason to bring Peterson back to Detroit could be his veteran presence. He is one of the most accomplished players in the history of football and his knowledge could help elevate this particular young running back room. 

Peterson could also potentially move into seventh all-time on the running back yards from the scrimmage list this upcoming season. A few quality games from Peterson or a steady handful of carries throughout this reason could be just enough for him to move up. 

The Lions could benefit from bringing Peterson back and Peterson could add even more to his long and storied resume. His career has been elite up to this point and Peterson isn’t ready to hang it up just yet. A one-year deal could be just what both sides need. 

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By: Chris Thomas

In recent memory, it is hard to recall so many extremely talented free agent players still available at this point of the offseason. The reasoning may be that teams wanted to wait till after the draft to see if they could fill the remaining needs on their roster in the early rounds. Teams may also want to wait till training camp to see if the players on their roster have developed to a point where they could fill that need. On top of that in recent years veteran free agents have decided to wait till after the draft and training camp to sign with teams so they can look at a team’s overall roster before signing and skip training camp and get ready for the season with their own personal trainers. 

One of the deepest positions in this free-agent class is running back. Multiple former Pro Bowl running backs are still on the market. There are a couple of teams around the league who could still use a veteran to add to their running back rotation. Here is where the top free agent edge rushers could land.

Le’Veon Bell to the Miami Dolphins

Less than a year ago Le’Veon Bell had the option to sign with the Miami Dolphins. But Bell decided to join the Kansas City Chiefs backfield with 2020 first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire than to become the lead back in Miami or Buffalo. Bell was more interested in joining a championship contender than joining an unproven contender like the Bills and Dolphins who both ended up with over ten wins this past season. 

Bell started his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he quickly became known as one of if not the best running back in football. He had three seasons with over 1,800 scrimmage yards and 10+ touchdowns. Bell was voted to three Pro Bowls, named a First-Team All-Pro twice, and Second Team All-Pro once in 2016. After a conflict with the Steelers involving a contract extension, Bell hit the market as a free agent and signed with the New York Jets for 4 years $52 million. He only had 789 rushing yards in his first season in New York. Bell was released by the New York Jets following his return from injury in Week 5. this past season He had demanded that the team trade him, but after not finding a trade partner the Jets decided to release him. Bell rushed for 328 yards and two touchdowns on 82 attempts in games with both teams last season. He only started four games combined for both the Jets and Chiefs.

It felt like the Miami Dolphins were beat out in multiple situations when they attempted to add a star running back this offseason. Miami went after Chris Carson, Kerryon Johnson, and 2021 Second Round pick Javonte Williams at different points of the offseason. But they could not land any of those three backs. The Dolphins were able to sign former Los Angeles Ram Malcolm Brown to a two-year $3.5 million contract this offseason and still have Myles Gaskin on their roster from the year before. Gaskin led the Dolphins in all rushing categories putting up 584 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 142 attempts in ten games (seven starts). Miami also has Salvon Ahmed who was a great find for them last offseason. Last season’s undrafted free agent rookie rushed for 319 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 75 attempts in six games (four starts). 

If Miami signed Bell they realistically cannot expect him to be the player he was in Pittsburgh. But they can hope he can compliment Gaskin by putting up the production that he did in New York. It is at least worth it for the Dolphins to kick the tires on the former All-Pro since their backfield is still very unproven. Miami is expected to still be a run-first team despite adding Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle this offseason. So it would make sense for the Dolphins to make sure they have as much talent as they can get at this point in their backfield. Miami has playoff aspirations and may look to achieve more. Signing Bell would make sure the Dolphins did all in their power to make sure their backfield isn’t holding them back.

Prediction: Le’Veon Bell signs with the Miami Dolphins for one year $1 million 

Todd Gurley to the Kansas City Chiefs

Out of all of the remaining free-agent running backs, Todd Gurley had gained the most attention from teams. Gurley had visited the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens this offseason. The Lions had an interest in signing Gurley “on their terms“. The Lions would make a lot of sense considering they appear to be embracing a run-first approach with their lack of weapons at receiver, new Lions general manager Brad Holmes was a major part of the Rams front office who drafted Gurley who almost won them to a Super Bowl in 2017-18. Gurley would also be reuniting with former Rams’ teammate quarterback Jared Goff who was traded to the Lions this offseason. However, it appears at this point the Lions won’t be signing Gurley and don’t need to with a backfield featuring D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. 

During his time in St. Louis/Los Angeles Gurley was one of the most dominant running backs in the league. In three of his five seasons with the Rams Gurley rushed for 1,100+ yards and had over ten touchdowns. In two of those seasons, Gurley led the league in rushing touchdowns. His accolades with the Rams include Offensive Rookie of the Year (2015), Offensive Player of the Year (2017), three Pro Bowls, two First-Team All-Pro selections, and Second Team All-Pro recognition in 2015. Following the 2019-20 season, the Rams released Gurley two seasons into his four-year $60 million deal. He then signed a one-year $5.5 million prove-it deal with the Atlanta Falcons. He rushed for a career-low 678 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 195 carries. The Falcons decided not to bring back Gurley and elected to sign veteran Mike Davis to a two-year $5.5 million deal. 

The Kansas City Chiefs were in the middle of the pack in most major rushing stats last season. However, they were in a five-way tie for 22nd in the league in rushing touchdowns with 13. Only six teams had fewer rushing touchdowns than the Chiefs did a season ago. Having Patrick Mahomes as the face of the offense can be to blame for most of that. However, it would be a major help to the offense to have a running back on the roster capable of punching it into the endzone when they’re close rather than relying upon Mahomes to scramble or shovel pass it to All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. Clyde Edwards-Helaire was one of the worst running backs in the league in the red zone last season. Within the five-yard line, Edwards-Helaire was one for nine on attempts to punch it into the endzone. Edwards-Helaire is a great pass-catching running back but struggles in short-yardage situations. 

Although Todd Gurley’s health issues have regressed him to the point where he runs like he has been in the league for ten years despite only playing in the league for six, one constant throughout Gurley’s career has been his ability to score when his teams get in close. Since 2015, Gurley has rushed for 67 touchdowns. Last year in arguably Gurley’s worst season he still managed to have nine rushing touchdowns which was tied for 11th last season. Kansas City should consider pairing Edwards-Helaire with a former All-Pro running back for the second season in a row, but pair him with a back who compliments his skillset in Gurley. Signing in Kansas City would give Gurley another opportunity to be a part of a Super Bowl team and allow him to display what he is still capable of. 

Prediction: Todd Gurley signs with the Kansas City Chiefs for one year $1.5 million deal

Adrian Peterson to the Los Angeles Chargers

Adrian Peterson is one of the few running backs in the NFL who definitely will be receiving a gold jacket in Canton, Ohio after he retires. Peterson spent his first ten seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. A majority of running backs don’t even play in the league ten seasons, let alone play as dominant as Peterson had during that span. During his time in Minnesota, he led the league in rushing three separate times and led the league in rushing touchdowns twice. Peterson accumulated multiple accolades including league MVP (2012), NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, seven Pro Bowl appearances, four First-Team All-Pro acknowledgments, and three Second Team All-Pro acknowledgments. He also was a unanimous selection onto the 2010’s All-Decade Team.

Since leaving Minnesota Peterson had defied the odds and continued to be a major part of multiple team’s backfields for the next four seasons. After a tough 2017 season where he split time with the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals, Peterson ran for over 1,000 yards at age 33 in his first season in Washington. He followed it up the following season with just under 900 rushing yards in his second season in Washington. This past year Peterson started ten games for the Detroit Lions at age 35. As it stands right now Peterson is the fifth all-time in rushing yards in NFL history. 

Last offseason the Los Angeles Chargers gave their lead back Austin Ekeler a 4 year $25.4 million contract. Ekeler had outshined former first-round pick Melvin Gordon and was well deserving of being paid like the team’s lead back. But last season Ekeler got hurt and missed six games last year. The Chargers struggled to run the ball during that six-game stretch. Their best running back when Ekeler got hurt was Kallen Ballage who is now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It would make a lot of sense for the Chargers to bring in Peterson for a lot of reasons. Los Angeles is a warm-weather city that is extremely attractive to free agents and playing there could open up opportunities for Peterson in media after he retires. Secondly, his playstyle compliments Ekeler very well. Ekeler is most dominant as a receiver out of the backfield. If Peterson was brought in to Los Angeles, he could take on some of the between the tackles and short-yardage runs while Ekeler can focus on being a receiving threat out of the backfield. The Chargers could even explore the option of having both Peterson and Ekeler on the field at the same time, lining up Peterson in the backfield and Ekeler in the slot as a wide receiver for a couple of plays a game.

Also, another feature of the Chargers that would be attractive to Peterson is the fact that they are considered a borderline playoff team. Despite being one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game, Peterson had only been to the playoffs four times in his career and hadn’t been to the playoffs since the 2015-16 season. At this of his career, Peterson has done it all except play winning and meaningful football. Peterson has only played past the Wild Card round of the playoffs once in his career back in the 2009-10 season.

Prediction: Adrian Peterson signs a one year $2.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers

Frank Gore to the Arizona Cardinals

Similar to Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore is one of the only running backs still in the NFL that will be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame shortly after he retires. He has played for four different teams over the last four seasons. But Gore began his career with the San Francisco 49ers. During his ten seasons with the 49ers, he had been named to the Pro Bowl five times and was named a Second Team All-Pro in 2006. After leaving San Francisco, Gore played three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and followed that with one-year stints with the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets After only starting one game his rookie season, Gore has started 217 of 227 games since 2006-07. That is an unreal feat for a running back. Gore has the NFL record for most games played for a running back (241) and is the first player in NFL history with 12 consecutive seasons with 1,200+ scrimmage yards. A resume like that earned him a spot on the 2010’s All-Decade Team.

It is unclear what to expect out of the Arizona Cardinals backfield this upcoming season. Their projected starter Chase Edmonds has only started four games in his career at this point and has never reached 500 rushing yards in a single season. Last season Edmonds took snaps away from starter Kenyan Drake being the team’s primary receiving back. He had a career-high 53 receptions for 402 yards and four receiving touchdowns last season. They also signed former Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner to a prove-it one year $1.75 million deal. In Conner’s first season as a starter in 2018-19, he was voted to the Pro Bowl after rushing for 973 yards and 12 touchdowns along with 497 receiving yards. Since then multiple injuries have kept Conner off the field or limited in the action he has seen. Pittsburgh decided to move off of Conner and go in another direction at running back.

The best-case scenario for Arizona’s backfield in 2021-22 is for Kliff Kingsbury’s offense to put Conner in a position to play similar to his best similar to what it did for Kenyan Drake while reducing his carry count having him split carries with Edmonds. For a team that has playoff aspirations, there is a lot of uncertainty in Arizona’s backfield. That is why the Cardinals should bring in Frank Gore. Over the last couple of seasons, Gore has remarkably been extremely consistent with his production despite being in his late thirties. At worst Gore could be a veteran presence in a locker room filled with both veterans and young players. But if Conner cannot remain healthy and Edmonds struggles to play like a lead back, Gore can be a safe option in the backfield that could be good for between 8-12 carries a game.

Arizona is also a great landing spot for Gore because it has been the final landing spot for multiple veterans and future Hall of Famers looking to finish their career in a great warm-weather city. At age 38 Gore will likely be playing his final season this year if he hasn’t already.

Prediction: Frank Gore signs a one year $1.75 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals

Duke Johnson Jr. to the Atlanta Falcons

For just over half of a decade Duke Johnson Jr. has been one of the best complimentary backs in the league. Despite only starting 17 of 91 career games, he has been an important part of the offenses he has played for during his time in Cleveland and Houston. During each of his first three years in Cleveland, Johnson had over 800 scrimmage yards. In his last season in Cleveland Johnson’s role was reduced. Then after receiving a three-year contract extension Johnson asked to be traded and was moved to the Houston Texans for a 2020 Third Round pick. Johnson had a career-high 410 rushing yards in his first season in Houston then split carries with David Johnson this past season. The new Texans administration cut Duke Johnson this offseason.

The Atlanta Falcons lost their best two running backs Todd Gurley and Brian Hill in free agency. They replaced them with veteran running back Mike Davis. The Falcons signed Davis to a two-year $5.5 million deal after a career year with the Carolina Panthers.

Davis was drafted in the fourth round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2015 then after two seasons was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle started Davis for six games in 2017 after being activated off the practice squad late in the year. The following season Davis posted career highs in a rotational role. Davis signed a two-year $6 million deal with the Chicago Bears in 2019 but did not finish his first season with the team. He was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers. During his first full year with the Panthers this past season, Davis was forced into a large role because of multiple injuries to former All-Pro Christian McCaffrey. Davis showed during his twelve starts last season that he is capable of being a team’s starting running back. T

His performance last season was enough for the Falcons to feel comfortable with Davis being their lead back next season. Based on Atlanta’s running back depth chart Davis may be the workhorse back for the Falcons next season. For a team trying to be competitive in 2020, it is risky having Davis as the team’s only capable running back on the roster. Atlanta should add a veteran backup or change of pace back in case Davis gets hurt or needs help carrying the load. That role would be perfect for Duke Johnson. That is the exact role Johnson had last season in Houston. Johnson could serve as Davis’ primary backup and take a couple carries a game when Davis needs a breather.

Prediction: Duke Johnson Jr. signs a one year $990,000 deal with the Atlanta Falcons

The post Top fits for the remaining FA RBs appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Reese Nasser

Adrian Peterson has had a hall of fame career. Even after a 14-year career, Peterson still has gas in the tank. He is still playing the game and at a high level. During the 2020 season, at age 35, Peterson still reached the end zone seven times, only the second time that he has reached that total since 2016. Peterson also surpassed 700 yards from scrimmage. He has proven to still be capable and still wants to play in the NFL. Here are the top remaining spots that Peterson could go to still play. 

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons could use an extra back on the roster. The Falcons current lead back is former Carolina Panthers backup Mike Davis. Davis proved to be a solid option last season as he filled in for the injured Christian McCaffery. He finished the season with eight touchdowns and 1,015 yards from scrimmage. 

Cordarelle Patterson is slotted as RB2 but he is more of a utility player, more known for his receiving and kick return abilities. He does have big play ability, which has been on full display his whole career. 

The next two backs on the roster are Qadree Ollison and Tony Brooks-James. The two of them combined for four rushing attempts totaling seven yards. The Falcons may plan on incorporating one of these younger backs into a larger role but it is still unsure if that would happen. 

That leads us to Adrian Peterson. Peterson has 3,192 career carries, more than the entirety of the other rostered running backs. He also only had one less touchdown than Davis. He could not only support Davis, who would still be the lead back, but also help the younger backs progress into a bigger role over time.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos could use Peterson as a way to ease a new group of running backs into their spots. While Melvin Gordon III is the #1, the number two spot could be up for grabs, at least for now. Denver drafted North Carolina running back Javonte Wiliams in the second round. Due to him being a rookie, they may not throw him directly into the fire. 

The other rostered backs are Royce Freeman and Mike Boone. Peterson had better numbers than both last season. 

Peterson’s impact could be felt immediately in Denver. Giving Williams the opportunity to learn behind both Gordon and Peterson could be extremely beneficial to his career. Gordon’s injury history could also make this signong worth it. Gordon appeared in 15 games last season but started only 10. The Broncos may attempt to play him carefully and Peterson could help lessen the load.

Minnesota Vikings 

A reunion with the team where it all began. It would be a storybook ending to a long career for Peterson. The addition would also make sense. Outside of star running back Dalvin Cook, the Minnesota Vikings have a running back room that is somewhat crowded and young. But, outside of third-year back Alexander Mattison, the rest of the room lacks in comparison to Peterson. 

It would also be fitting to have Peterson finish with Minnesota. During his time with the Vikings, he accounted for 13,000 yards from scrimmage and 102 touchdowns. He would be welcomed back in Minnesota and would be a great place to end his storied career.

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