Jacksonville Jaguars: Will another running back be added for 2018?

Will the Jacksonville Jaguars sign another running back to help backup Leonard Fournette?

Currently, the Jacksonville Jaguars have five running backs on their roster. There are several unsigned free agents which would help back up Leonard Fournette. It seems like the Jaguars could grab a veteran to use as an insurance policy.

Chris Ivory was released in February and has signed with Buffalo. Ivory saw his playing time diminished due to his inability to hold on to the football. He had seven fumbles compared to just five total touchdowns. Jacksonville’s salary cap space is decreased because of the $3 million dead cap number, according to Over the Cap.

Jacksonville has $20 million in team cap space. Would the Jaguars use some of that to solidify the backfield? Or, do they think they are set?

First of all, Fournette is the starting running back. In 13 games, he rushed for over 1,000 yards. He caught 36 passes out of the backfield for 302 yards. Jacksonville can not afford to lose him due to his high productivity.

T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant will battle for the second spot on the depth chart. However, neither Yeldon or Grant are feature backs. Their productivity falls short of Fournette’s. Tim Cook and Brandon Wilds are the remaining two vying for a roster spot. Expect them to be on the practice squad in 2018. Which free agent would be worth a look?

Adrian Peterson is available, but is 33 years old. Peterson would not sign as a discounted backup. He is the 12th all-time leading rusher in NFL history. There are other to chose from.

DeMarco Murray is 30 years old and became expendable when Tennessee drafted Derrick Henry. Still, Murray probably considers himself to be a starter. It’s highly doubtful that he would become a discounted backup, as well.

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There is one guy that could help stretch the defense by his speed, Jamaal Charles. Charles is definitely in the twighlight of his career but making him a hybrid back/receiver would be brilliant. Charles has over 10,000 yards from scrimmage in his career. He is a dual threat, running and receiving the ball. Consequently, he has been battling knee injuries since 2011.

Most of all, Yeldon and Grant will be free agents in 2019. This upcoming season will determine their next NFL contract. Let’s see how it plays out.