Shonn Greene: Anything Left in the Tank?

You know things are not going well when you are on the outs with a team that won just two games in 2014.

Such is the case with running back Shonn Greene, who according to Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean will be released sometime on Tuesday by the Titans after a pair of disappointing seasons with the club.

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When Tennessee added the former workhorse of the New York Jets in 2013, the one-time third-round pick from the University of Iowa was coming off back-to-back 1,000-plus yards seasons on the ground in both 2011 (1,054) and 2012 (1,063) and totaled at least 250 or more carries in each of those years. In four campaigns and 61 regular-season contests with the Green and White, Greene totaled 822 attempts for 3,423 yards and 18 scores.

Sep 21, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Shonn Greene (23) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 33-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The former Hawkeye was also a pivotal part of the Jets’ playoff runs in both 2009 and ’10, totaling a combined 99 carries for 502 yards and three touchdowns, rushing for 100-plus yards in postseason wins in ’09 over the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers. Under head coach Rex Ryan, the Jets came within a game of the Super Bowl in each of those seasons.

Unfortunately for Greene, his stint with the Titans was far from memorable. He would play just 24 games with the club, totaled only 687 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Ironically, in last year’s season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, the six-year pro ran for 94 yards on 11 carries. That would prove to be his best performance in a Tennessee uniform.

Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

So where could Greene wind up? The Arizona Cardinals could certainly use some help at the position. Could Ryan bring Greene to Orchard Park where he would join a crowded backfield that already includes LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson, Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown?

What about the Oakland Raiders, who now have Latavius Murray, Roy Helu and Trent Richardson in the team’s attempt to erase last season’s 32nd-ranking in the league when it came to the ground game?

You have to think that Greene still has something left considering he didn’t see a lot of playing time with the Titans. It will be interesting to see if he winds up in some team’s training camp this summer. He could be a very worthwhile gamble.

Next: Tennessee Titans 2015 Profiles: Taylor Lewan

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