2015 NFL Free Agency: Where running backs get the shaft

Proven running backs like Ridley and Bradshaw are still without teams, making one thing clear. Money talks and success means little. 2015 NFL Free Agency doesn’t end until the draft begins. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL TD Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream and debate the NFL and sports.

TODD:

We know the position of running back has been de-emphasized in the NFL these days. It only makes sense when teams pass so often, rules allow for ease of passing plays, and fill-in running backs seem to get plugged in and perform admirably each and every season.

Well, now that the big-name free agent backs have been gobbled up, all that remain are fill-in types to play third down or spot duty. However, these are still popular names and guys with talent. It seems like now is the perfect time to pounce on some running back value. If you wait until after the NFL draft, your peers will know what they have and what they need. Now is the time to strike while competition for players is lower.

In fact, because of positional value, now might be the opportune time to buy a running back in all of free agency. Would you rather pay Mark Ingram four years and $16 million or get Stevan Ridley for a one-year, league minimum contract?

And that’s where I begin, with Stevan Ridley. The former Patriot is still available on the free-agent wire. He is a sleek and talented runner between the tackles who has encountered fumbling issues in previous seasons.

Is it not worth a flier to see if he can overcome those issues? If he does, Ridley can very well be a number two or even number-one back in this league.

Sep 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Knowshon Moreno (28) runs up the middle as New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (left) and Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (right) make the tackle during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Pierre Thomas and Ahmad Bradshaw are also still available. So is arguably Bobby Rainey (a restricted free agent) and CJ-1200. As is Knowshon Moreno. Injury issues have a lot to do with some of these players’ availability, but at this point in the offseason, no one is buying an every-down back.

So what am I missing? Why are these guys still free agents? Is it a case of THEM not wanting to sign for small or short contracts, holding out hope a team will get desperate? Or is this just another case of NFL teams being narrow-focused? They can’t see that there is good value to be had here at a position that can make a difference.

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DAN:

I’ve read multiple times that the crop of running backs in the 2015 NFL draft might be the best in a decade, in the last five years at least. No matter if that statement is 100 percent accurate or only 50 percent truth, it is certainly a factor in teams’ free-agent decisions.

Stevan Ridley is the lone name that truly perplexes me. Fumbling is something correctable, having nothing to do with actual running ability. But if the New England Patriots were unable to correct this, I question whether it’s actually possible. Furthermore, New England has chosen not to re-sign Ridley. I can’t imagine he was demanding a lot of money, so I’ll read between the lines and assume something is off. Ridley has a red flag firmly planted in his cap, thanks to Bill Belichick and the Patriots.

Other players like Bradshaw and Thomas are certainly in the market for more than a one year deal. They’ve been around the league, everyone knows what they have to offer, and they can therefore be patient. Yet I’ve talked myself into a Catch 22 situation. If everyone knows what they can do, why not sign them to do just that?

Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs for a few yards against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Indianapolis Colts defeat the New York Giants 40-24. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

The answer is simple and a precursor of things to come. NFL teams are not giving running backs the opportunity to excel past the age of 28. The collective has agreed that young, hungry legs win out every time. Hence waiting until draft day to take a rookie and let him fly.

Chris Johnson is 29, Knowshon Moreno is 27, Pierre Thomas is 30, Peyton Hillis is 29, Ahmad Bradshaw is 29 and Ridley is only 26. The latter will find a home within the month. Everyone else will have to wait until camp approaches.

The ticking clock of an NFL career is shortening by the year, and positions like running back have shrunk faster than most. Unproven talent from a rookie at base salary beats a known commodity from a veteran at a higher asking price nearly every single time.

Next: 2015 NFL Draft: Doing More With Less

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