The Future of the San Diego Chargers Backfield
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) runs with the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Bradley McDougald (30) defends during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Solutions: Here are the potential free-agent running backs that could be available in early March:
1. DeMarco Murray: Murray was absolutely phenomenal this season, rushing for the most yards in the entire league (1,845) and tied for the most rushing touchdowns with Marshawn Lynch (13). His eight straight 100-yard performances to start the season set a new league record. Murray totaled 12 games of over 100 yards rushing and seven games with over 30 yards receiving.
2. Mark Ingram: After showing signs of being a Heisman bust, Ingram has really come into his own this season, rushing for 964 yards and nine touchdowns with a 4.3 yards per carry average. While his production slowed towards the end of the season, Ingram had four 100-yard games in a six-game stretch. He’s a powerful runner with a mean attitude and strong legs. The Bolts could definitely use him for some of the heavy lifting and run-blocking considering he comes from the pass-heavy New Orleans Saints.
3. Justin Forsett: Once out of the NFL, Forsett has one of the best feel-good stories of the year. 2014 saw Forsett run for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns on 235 carries for an average of 5.4 yards per carry (first in the league among running backs). Forsett is a potential free agent but is leaning towards staying with the Ravens.
4. C.J. Spiller: The former Crimson Tiger has had a very up-and-down career and up-and-down season with the Bills. His best year came in 2012 when Spiller rushed for 6.0 yards per carry and 1,244 yards and six touchdowns on the ground with 459 receiving yards and four touchdowns. In 2014, Spiller suffered injuries during the year and was only able to average 3.8 yards per carry on 78 carries for 300 yards. He may or may not have reached the end of his prime, but I think that Spiller could be a definite steal for the Bolts.
5. Knowshon Moreno: Originally with the Denver Broncos, Moreno made his name known in Miami in his first week, rushing for 134 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries against the Patriots. He then suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 3. While Moreno’s health has always been a big question mark throughout his career, he still has some pop in those legs. He could be the Chargers better and more-improved Branden Oliver. At the same time though, he could be a cap-eating and injury-prove Oliver, too.
The Problem: The Chargers could always make an offer on a free agent back, but there are no guarantees that the player they acquire will take the Chargers offer nor would he be expected to produce like he did on his former team. As well, he will most likely ask for higher money than for a rookie or a player who is already on the Chargers roster. Backs such as Murray and Forsett are expected to stay with their individual teams, but we have seen weirder things happen.
Next: Potential Rookie Running Backs