5 Destinations for Fred Jackson

Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive back Jim Leonhard (30) dives to tackle Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson (22) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns

The Carolina Panthers could be an intriguing fit for Fred Jackson due to their lack of pass-catching options out of the backfield and a need for pass-catching juice with Kelvin Benjamin out, but the Cleveland Browns are a more likely destination. They haven’t ruled out signing Ray Rice, which essentially means that they haven’t ruled out signing anybody at the running back position.

Duke Johnson is talented enough to be a three-down back as a rookie and prosper, but his concussion puts him in some doubt for the start of the season. It wasn’t his first preseason injury either, so Johnson could be behind the curve. The Browns not only could have immediately made him the featured back over Isaiah Crowell (the presumptive starter now) and Terrance West, but they were definitely counting on him to play a big role in the passing game of their new-look offense.

With Johnson’s status unknown, Jackson makes plenty of sense now for the Browns. He should have more in the tank than Rice as a three-down veteran despite being much older, and his ability to score touchdowns and catch passes would be huge for the Browns offense. They could use some stability in the backfield, even if Jackson is a ho-hum option at best when he’s actually running the ball.

Next: A More Likely Spot