In the days leading up to the start of NFL free agency, I will be breaking down the top free agents at each position, and whether or not they potentially fit in the Giants’ and Jets’ offseason plans.
The quarterbacks were first. Now let’s take a look at the running backs.
Similar to the teams’ quarterback situations, the Giants and Jets have very different needs when it comes to the running back position.
While the Jets used the third overall pick in last year’s draft on QB Sam Darnold, they were able to do so because the Giants passed on him to take running back Saquon Barkley with the second pick. Barkley went on to amass over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and score 15 touchdowns, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl and being named the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Barkley will be Big Blue’s back for years to come, but with Jonathan Stewart now gone, the Giants could use another running back.
The Jets, on the other hand, don’t have as much clarity when it comes to their running back situation. Isaiah Crowell is currently under contract but is a prime candidate to be released in the near future. Bilal Powell will be an unrestricted free agent, and with the other backs on the roster being Elijah Mcguire and Trenton Cannon, it’s safe to say that the Jets will be taking a look at all of the top running backs available.
Both teams will be in the market for a running back, but they will be looking at drastically different tiers of players.
LE'VEON BELL
While there are several good options at the top of this class, Bell is far and away the top running back on the market. The 26-year-old did the unthinkable in 2018 by sitting out the entire season in a contract dispute and in order to preserve himself for free agency. While keeping his legs fresh for a year should help him in the long run, Bell will have to show teams that he kept himself in great playing shape.
The former Steeler is looking for a monster, nine-figure deal. Based on his stats over the first five years of his career, it won’t be surprising to see him get one. The former second-round pick has three seasons of 1,250-plus rushing yards and 600-plus receiving yards, proving that he just might be the best pass-catching back in recent memory.
The events of the last year may turn some teams off him, but there is no denying Bell’s incredible playmaking abilities. Forking over a huge amount of money to a running back may not be the wisest move, but that is not going to stop a team from doing it.
Possible Giants interest: There is a better chance of Eli Manning getting a five-year extension then Big Blue going for Bell.
Possible Jets interest: The Jets figure to be one of the most aggressive suitors in the pursuit of the super-talented back, as they have an obvious need at the position plus a plethora of cap space. Early reports on the team’s interest in Bell have been mixed, but New York likely won’t be able to pass up the chance to add such a dynamic playmaker. The Colts will likely be the Jets’ biggest competition for Bell and are the only team with more cap space. Whoever ends up offering more money will most likely be the one to land the three-time Pro Bowler.
MARK INGRAM
USA TODAY Images The biggest knock on Ingram is surely his age -- the former first-round pick will hit the dreaded 30-year-old mark at the end of this upcoming season. But due to a combination of injuries, suspension, the Saints’ offense and the arrival of Alvin Kamara, Ingram does not have as much mileage as one would think for a running back his age. Ingram has racked up 1,321 carries since entering the league in 2011. In comparison, Bell, who came into the NFL two years later and sat out this past season, has 1,229 career rush attempts.
Ingram has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon, so his age should not be much of a concern for teams. However, it may be hard to convince the veteran to leave New Orleans.
Possible Giants interest: Thank you, next.
Possible Jets interest: If they don’t land Bell, Ingram could be a nice consolation prize. His age will likely lower his salary demands, thus allowing New York to spend money on the rest of the roster. The Jets could even try to pair Ingram with one of the backs listed below to create a formidable duo. If Bell signs elsewhere, Ingram, along with the next guy on this list, will likely receive a call from the Jets.
TEVIN COLEMAN
Coleman might be the most interesting option of any player on this list. The 25-year-old has carried the rock just 528 times over his four NFL seasons, serving as the Falcons’ second running back after Devonta Freeman. With Freeman hurt this past season, Coleman served as Atlanta’s primary back for most of the year.
The former third-round pick recorded a career-high 167 carries in 2018, which helped him set career-best marks in both rushing yards (800) and yards per carry (4.8). Coleman also had his best campaign as a pass catcher, finishing the year with 32 receptions for 276 yards and five touchdowns. He doesn’t come without some red flags, though, as the Falcons did decide to give Ito Smith a lot of work following Freeman’s injury, instead of fully handing the reigns to Coleman.
Coleman has shown flashes of potential throughout his career, but his inconsistent play could be a cause for concern for teams looking for a feature back. But considering his age and relatively low usage in Atlanta, some team will end up handing Coleman a big contract.
Possible Giants interest: Again, it ain’t happening.
Possible Jets interest: If Gang Green loses out on the top prize of the free agent running backs, it’s hard to imagine they don’t sign either Ingram or Coleman. While it’s a tossup which one New York may prefer, I’m going to give the edge to Coleman due to his age. Additionally, Coleman’s abilities as a pass-catcher should make him a more appealing option for the Jets.
JAY AJAYI
The potential market for Ajayi is very hard to predict. While the four-year veteran has looked absolutely dominant at times, he has not been able to stay on the field. Ajayi had a magical campaign for the Dolphins in 2016, hitting the 200-yard rushing mark on three separate occasions, including in back-to-back games. The 6-foot back ran for 1,272 yards and eight touchdowns over 15 games that season and looked the part of a feature back. But in his other three years in the league, Ajayi has been unable to reach double-digit games played, has not topped 465 yards rushing and has totaled just five touchdowns.
Now playing for Philadelphia, Ajayi tore his ACL in October, which will likely diminish his market even further. But if he can find a way to stay healthy, he could end up being one of the big steals of the offseason.
Possible Giants interest: The only way I see this happening is if Ajayi is willing to accept a small, prove-it deal. But with plenty of teams looking for running back help, the 25-year-old will end up getting a bigger contract elsewhere.
Possible Jets interest: Ajayi was traded from the Dolphins to the Eagles due to his poor relationship with coach Adam Gase. Gase is now calling the shots in New York, so we can rule this one out now.
SPENCER WARE
Ware may not be the sexiest name on this list, but at the end of the day, he may offer the best value. Still only 27 years old, Ware has carried the ball just 340 times since entering the league in 2013. The former sixth-round pick is a good between-the-tackles runner, shown by his career 4.6-yards-per-carry average. But his biggest strength comes in the passing game -- over his last two seasons in Kansas City (he sat out all of 2017 due to injury), Ware caught 53 passes for 671 yards and two touchdowns.
While no team will likely offer Ware a big contract to become its featured back, there is reason to believe that the veteran could thrive as part of a two-headed backfield. He likely won’t command much money, making him a solid free agent option for teams needing a boost at running back.
Possible Giants interest: While I love the thought of Ware in a backfield with Barkley, the 27-year-old will likely be slightly out of the Giants’ price range. Jonathan Stewart made a little over $3 million with New York last season, which is what I would guess is the most Gettleman will want to pay for a backup running back. Big Blue is more likely to take a chance on someone like T.J. Yeldon, Mike Davis or Ty Montgomery.
Possible Jets interest: Pairing Ware with a running back such as Coleman could end up proving to be the most prudent move for Gang Green. Jets running backs were targeted over 100 times in the passing game last season, not surprising with a rookie QB under center for most of the year. Darnold will likely continue to lean on short passes to the running backs in 2019, so having two above-average, pass-catching backs would be wise.