The Eagles options among the veteran running backs are shrinking.
The first domino fell when the Seattle Seahawks signed one of the top three remaining veteran free agent running backs over the weekend, inking Carlos Hyde to a one-year deal that is reportedly worth up to $4 million.
As a result, the Eagles’ search for a veteran option in the backfield has seemingly left them down to just two options. You can argue how badly they even need a veteran backup, but they are definitely looking for one, and should be making a decision sooner rather than later.
One option is Devonta Freeman, although multiple reports suggest that Freeman is looking for similar money to what Hyde got, which could cross him off the Eagles’ list. It is hard to see the Eagles paying any backup running back, let alone a third-string running back, over $4 million.
Assuming Freeman sticks to his demands, the Eagles are left staring at one option — LeSean McCoy.
There is no denying the idea of McCoy coming back to the Eagles is certainly a fun one, and really, his past with the team is probably the only reason he is being considered. The most accomplished running back in franchise history, the idea of him ending his career with the team just feels right, and likely appeals to owner Jeffrey Lurie. The timing of McCoy coming back also seems to be perfect, as he seems to have realized where he is at in his career, something that didn’t seem to the best case even just one year ago.
What McCoy could bring on the field is up for debate. McCoy’s season with the Kansas City Chiefs was a bit puzzling. One one hand, he proved he could be effective in a backup role, as he averaged 4.6 yards-per-carry on 101 attempts, his best average since 2013. His average of 5.0 yards-per-touch was his best since 2016. The question is whether McCoy's production was the result of limited touches or playing in a dynamic Chiefs offense. Andy Reid’s decision to not even dress McCoy in the Super Bowl is likely a telling sign of what they really thought of McCoy's ability to contribute.
The benefit of a veteran third-string running back is that they can be a potential safety net if either Sanders or Scott take a step back next season, or suffer an injury. It is fair to wonder if McCoy would be able to carry the load if Sanders were to go down. The last time McCoy was a big-part of an offense was in 2018, when he touched the ball 195 times for the Buffalo Bills, and averaged a career-low 3.9 yards-per-touch. In fact, prior to going to Kansas City, McCoy’s average yards-per-touch decreased each season from 2016 to 2018. That is obviously concerning.
Still, as third-string running back, McCoy does make some sense. The Eagles won't be adding an All-Pro as their third-string running back. No team will be. McCoy could come in, be a backup to Miles Sanders and Boston Scott, while also being very familiar with the offense and the culture the Eagles have. If he was willing to accept that role, and not become unhappy spending his reunion tour with the Eagles on the bench, McCoy on a one-year, minimum deal seems like a low-risk move.
There is also an argument to be made for simply not adding a veteran at the position at all.
The Eagles have said multiple times they want to make the roster younger. There is no easier position to do that at than running back. While a safety net would be ideal, the Eagles might be better off trying a youth movement at the position first, going with Sanders, Scott, Elijah Holyfield, undrafted rookie Michael Warren and even Corey Clement as their backfield. It isn’t a coincidence that the offense looked different with younger players at the end of last season. Going with youth over a veteran, especially one with a big name like McCoy, could be a smart move.
The Eagles have other holes on the roster they need to fix. Backup offensive tackle, better veteran backup options at quarterback and wide receiver, and even another defensive end all seem more important than running back.
But when the franchise’s all-time leading rusher could be making a return, it is hard to ignore the possibility — and deciding whether it should happen is going to be a tough call for the Eagles.