Running back has never been a position the Eagles invested either big money or draft capital into.
So with what is likely going to be a tight budget heading into free agency, chances the Eagles even contact any of the premier available running backs are slim.
Still, they are in need of some help in the backfield. As good as Miles Sanders can be, he had an up-and-down sophomore season. Boston Scott should be back, but Corey Clement likely won't be, and there isn't much else on the depth chart to count on for 2021 — especially when it comes to a veteran option.
The need for some veteran help on the depth chart could lead the Eagles to dip into the running back market when free agency begins.
If they do, here are five options they could consider:
Marlon Mack, Indianapolis: The tie here is obvious — Mack played under Nick Sirianni and would presumably come in already having a good grasp of the offense. Mack had 1,091 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019, and was poised to have a breakout 2020 before a torn Achilles ended his season in Week 1.
An Achilles injury is worrisome, especially for a running back, so Mack likely won't be getting anywhere close to a big deal in free agency. Mack could like the idea of coming to an offense he knows and trying to rebuild his career, especially on a one-year deal so he can take advantage of a huge spike in the salary cap next offseason.
More of a between-the-tackles runner than a threat in the passing game, Mack could be a nice low-cost, high-upside option that would be a nice fit with Miles Sanders.
Jamaal Williams, Green Bay: Williams might end up getting a little more than the Eagles want to pay a running back, but if they feel like investing into the position, the veteran would be a perfect backup to bring in.
Williams has been a backup in Green Bay almost his entire career but has always played well when given the chance. The 25-year old averaged 4.0 yards-per-carry during his four years in Green Bay, scoring a total of 10 rushing touchdowns. He has proven he can be effective on both the ground and in the passing game, catching 50 first downs and averaging 7.9 yards per reception.
Another bonus of Williams being a backup during his time in Green Bay? He has just 622 total touches in four seasons, making him perhaps the best option on the market to share the backfield with Sanders.
James White, New England Patriots: Miles Sanders has shown he can be a threat out of the backfield as a pass catcher, but there is no denying that he took a step back in the passing game in 2020. Having a reliable pass-catching back in Sirianni's offense is going to be important, and Sanders will certainly get his chances, but having a veteran that is a reliable pass catcher would be a major bonus for the rookie head coach.
James White would certainly check that box.
White, 29-years old, has caught 365 passes since becoming a full-time player for the Patriots, totaling 3,161 yards and 25 touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 8.6 yards-per-catch while also being effective on the ground, averaging 4.0 yards-per-attempt and finding the end zone 10 times.
White might find his way onto more of a win-now team, but there is no doubt Sirianni would love to have him as a veteran option behind Sanders.
Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots: If White lands elsewhere, Burkhead could be a cheaper backup plan for the Eagles if they want to add a veteran pass-catching back.
Burkhead has 130 career receptions, but 113 of them came over the last five seasons when he started to get some real playing time. Burkhead's best year came in 2019 when he had 581 total yards on 92 touches, proving he can be an effective option when called upon. His stats dipped a little bit last season, going from 581 total yards to 466 despite getting the same number of touches. A terrible season for New England's offense, however, likely played a role in the drop-off.
There will likely be more of a market for White than Burkhead, and he will almost without question the cheaper option of the two.
Tevin Coleman, San Francisco: Coleman's 2020 season was severely hampered by a sprained ankle, as he went on injured reserve in Week 2 and didn't return until Week 7. As a result he never really got going or involved in the 49ers' offense, totaling only 87 yards on 32 touches.
The poor season is going to impact his value, but at just 27-years old, there could still be at least 2-3 more seasons of quality football left in Coleman. Prior to a poor 2020, Coleman finished with 724 total yards on just 158 touches in 2019, and topped 1,000 total yards in 2018 on 199 touches. He has proven to be an impact player both on the ground and in the passing game, and if he is fully healthy, would be a nice veteran option behind Sanders.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
