To say that the top personnel executive Howie Roseman has not invested in the running back position recently is an understatement.
Since taking back control of the team in 2016, Roseman has not used a pick higher than the fourth round on a running back. That also holds true since Roseman was given the title of general manager back 2010. Paying a running back in free agent? That has been laughable under Roseman, who has never shelled out big money to a running back.
This offseason, however, things could change.
The running back position was a glaring area of need for the Eagles in 2018. Although there were stretches were certain players stepped up, they did not have a consistent thread out of the backfield, and it hurt their offense. In a league where dynamic running backs are becoming a bigger-and-bigger part of the offense — especially in the NFC — going to battle with Wendell Smallwood and Josh Adams each week put the Eagles at a disadvantage.
The good news for Roseman is that there should be plenty of talented free agent running backs there for the taking this offseason once free agency hits.
Here are seven of the most talented — and most intriguing — running backs that could cause Roseman to break his pattern of not investing in the running back position.
Le'Veon Bell, Steelers: Assuming Bell does indeed hit free agency, he will be without question the best running back available, and maybe the best free agent at his position to hit the open market in years. It has been a year since Bell played, which might impact his value, but when Bell did play in 2017 he was one of the best offensive players in the league regardless of position. Signing Bell would be expensive, but the Eagles will likely have the cap room to do it if they want. Adding Bell to the Eagles' offense would be a major boost to both the run and passing game.
Kareem Hunt, Chiefs: The Eagles could sign Hunt right now if they wanted, as the former Chief running back has been a free agent since being released during the season. The issues that come with Hunt are clear — he could be facing a suspension from the NFL in 2019 due to the release of a tape in December in which Hunt is shown shoving and kicking a woman in a Cleveland hotel. The Eagles would have to feel comfortable bringing Hunt into their organization to even consider what he would bring to them on the field. If the team does take that leap of faith, however, there is little denying that Hunt might be the best bargain on the open market. He likely won't command as a free agent, but on the field he is one of the best running backs in the NFL. Signing Hunt would be a high-risk, high-reward move for the Eagles.
C.J. Anderson, Rams: Anderson will likely use his strong end to the season to land a decent-sized contract this offseason. After riding the bench all season in Carolina and at the beginning of his time with the Rams, Anderson has topped 120 yards in three of his last four games, finding the end zone four times in that span. Anderson would not be the lead back the Eagles need, but he could be an elite No. 2 running back, and allow the team to continue to use the running back by committee approach they have in recent years.
Mark Ingram, Saints: Of all the players on this list, Ingram has the smallest chance of hitting the free agency market. Ingram has been great for the Saints, they are a win-now team and he seems to love it in New Orleans. With close to 1,000 total yards last season and seven touchdowns, however, he would be a great addition to the Eagles' offense. Considering the bad blood between the Eagles and Saints, it would be interesting to see if Ingram would consider coming to Philadelphia, and how he would be received if he did.
LeGarrette Blount, Lions: Could a reunion make sense for both Blount and the Eagles? It might, as the Eagles did miss Blount last year both on-and-off the field. Their decision to go with Darren Sproles over Blount looked good towards the end of the season, but overall they missed Blount's consistent production he gave them during the 2017 season. Blount did not have a great season with the Lions — just 418 yards and five touchdowns — but that appeared to be more tied to the Lions' offensive line than Blount regressing as a player. Blount wouldn't be a major upgrade, but on a cheap, one-year deal, a reunion is something both sides should consider.
T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars: Yeldon has the second-most receiving yards of running backs currently set to become unrestricted free agents, as he finished 2018 with 487 yards out of the backfield. Yeldon was not as productive on the ground, finishing with just 414 yards, but his 4.0 yards-per-attempt is impressive on 104 carries. Yeldon is entering just his fifth season, and with only 465 total carries in his career, there is an argument to be made his best football is still ahead of him.
Jacquizz Rodgers, Buccaneers: Rodgers has been in the NFL twice as long as Yeldon, but has only 545 carries in eight seasons. He averaged just 3.2 yards per carry last season in Tampa Bay, but averaged 8.0 yards per catch on 38 receptions. Rodgers would be more of a role player than an overall answer to the team's need at running back.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
