Top 5 Landing Spots for Ahmad Bradshaw
By Mike Dyce
Dec 3, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) holds up his helmet before the game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Former New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw shouldn’t have any trouble finding a new home. In the 2012 campaign he battled injuries and despite only starting 12 games, still rushed for 1,000 yards. Only 16 players accomplished this feat in the 2012 season. He also should have a few years left in him, he is only 26 years old, though he turns 27 in March. Surely he’d be in high demand.
So that led us to think, what uniform are we most likely to see Ahmad Bradshaw wearing next season.
Honorable Mention- Dallas Cowboys
I think that if the Cowboys brought in Ahmad Bradshaw to line up along side DeMarco Murray they could benefit greatly. This also could just be wishful thinking of my Dallas Cowboys but it is probably unlikely. DeMarco Murray is oft injured and Felix Jones hasn’t proven to be worth that first round draft pick. Having a back like Bradshaw to complement Murray would create a dynamic backfield. This could alleviate some of the pressure on Tony Romo. Aside from that Bradshaw might not want to be behind the Dallas Cowboys offensive line as it is currently constructed. He also has come from the New York Giants, long time rivals of the Cowboys. We’ve seen people jump teams but usually it’s Cowboys going to New York like Martellus Bennett and Chris Canty.
5. Green Bay Packers
The second leading rusher for the Packers was Aaron Rodgers. Do you know who their leading rusher was? Maybe not, but he only ran for 464 yards. Their 3.9 yards per attempt was 11th worst in the NFL, and their 106 yards was 20th best in the NFL. An experienced running back who fought threw injuries to run for 1,000 yards with Championship hardware would fit in nicely with a team that has Super Bowl aspirations.
4. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers still have young Ryan Matthews on their team and they might not be ready to abandon that commitment. But in 3 seasons he’s only rushed for over 1,000 yards once, and only rushed for 707 yards this season. As a team the Chargers had the second worse rushing attack averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Bradshaw could help Matthews and more importantly help San Diego in a division that has only 1 real contender in it. There is no excuse in a division that includes the Raiders and Chiefs to not have a better rushing attack.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The steelers have been known for smash mouth football, and they didn’t run the ball successfully last season. In terms of yards per attempt, they were the 5th worst team in the NFL, their 96 yards per game was 26th in the NFL. They like to run and could run with Bradshaw. “Where we were in the running game last year was indicative in the talent at the position,” said GM Kevin Colbert. Hmmmm…. a free agent 1,000 yard rusher like Bradshaw could be a fit.
2. Atlanta Falcons
Yes, they made the NFC Championship game but in terms of yards per attempt their 3.7 yards average was 4th worst in the league. If you drafted Michael Turner in your fantasy draft, I’m going to assume your bald from having pulled all your hair out. Michael Turner had an average below that of 3.6 yards per attempt and only rushed for 800 yards. Bradshaw brings championship pedigree and a 1,000 yard season despite injuries. Solid fit.
1. Arizona Cardinals
The only position the Cardinals experienced more upheaval at than quarterback might be running back. Beanie Wells was injured frequently and a myriad or replacements came in. None of which rushed for more than 400 yards. A featured back would be a huge move in the right direction and Ahmad Bradshaw could help the Cardinals out greatly.