Five 2019 Free Agent Running Backs the Jets Should Target Instead of Le'Veon Bell
By Jason McIntyre
There’s one more game left in the Jets season, and the offseason plan is already in full swing. Yes, they’ve got to fire Todd Bowles. (We’ve discussed replacement ideas.) And yes, their GM, Mike Maccagnan, could (should?) lose his job.
Before the season finale against the Patriots, the Jets are 3rd in the NFL draft order, which makes it appear they were one of the worst teams in the league. In reality, the Jets have their franchise QB, and have been playing significantly better with Sam Darnold after his return from injury. How can you quantify this? The Football Outsiders measured teams via DVOA from Week 11-Week 16. The Jets have ranked 17th during that time, ahead of higher-quality teams like Houston (18), Green Bay (20), Philadelphia (21), Pittsburgh (23), Tennessee (24) and Carolina (29).
The first offseason position situation we need to address is running back. Bilal Powell suffered a terrible neck injury and his career could be over. He’s a free agent and as of now, there’s no scenario for him to return. Isaiah Crowell, their leading rusher (685 yards) is also on IR with a toe injury. Crowell signed a 3-year deal last offseason, but money-wise, it was really a 1-year deal. They’d be wise to bring him back to split the #1 role or be a valuable #2 RB.
The most popular name at the position on the market is obviously Le'Veon Bell. He’ll demand top dollar, and likely will get it. He turns 27 in February and there are several ways to look at him: 1) The Steelers lose Bell, they still put up good offensive numbers, but miss the playoffs (barring major help in Week 17); 2) Bell’s attitude stinks, and who wants to infect a young franchise with that me-first mentality; 3) Who cares about his injuries or his attitude, the guy is a Top 5 running back and the Jets need weapons!
Before we go further, these NFL rushing stats for 2018 are worth mentioning:
5th in rushing: Joe Mixon (2nd round draft pick)
6th in rushing: Adrian Peterson (33, signed by Redskins in free agency)
7th in rushing: Phillip Lindsay (undrafted free agent)
8th in rushing: Chris Carson (7th round draft pick)
9th in rushing: Nick Chubb (2nd round draft pick)
10th in rushing: Derrick Henry (2nd round draft pick)
Here are four running backs the Jets should pursue ahead of Le’Veon Bell. The Jets would be better served using their cap space on the offensive line, edge rusher, and pulling a Brock Osweiler.
Tevin Coleman, Atlanta.
The Falcons probably won’t be able to pay him. They just paid Devonta Freeman (5-years, $41.25). Jets love the idea of Coleman, but one cause for concern is that he shares an agent with Le’Veon Bell, and is going to be asking for big money. Is Coleman a 20-carry guy when he needs to be? Or, can you have him split duties with Crowell, who is 15-pounds heavier?
Mike Davis, Seattle
Former South Carolina star didn’t do much in San Francisco after being a 4th round pick, but has shown a bit more in Seattle this season. He is caught in a logjam, though, and expendable for the Seahawks. Doesn’t feel like a true #1, has never had a 20-carry game in his career, and is very similar in frame to Crowell. Advanced metrics love Davis – according to the Football Outsiders, he’s rated 15th among RBs.
Damien Williams, Kansas City
He’s in his 5th year as an undrafted RB, but pressed into duty late this season after the release Kareem Hunt and the injury to Spencer Ware, Williams has looked sharp. Given the Chiefs other two RBs are free agents (Ware and Charcandrick West), it’s becoming increasingly unlikely the Jets will have a chance.
Mark Ingram, New Orleans
Hard to believe he just turned 29 but you have to wonder if the Saints bring him back next year. He’s had injuries throughout his career, and missed the start of 2018 due to a PED suspension. Things to keep in mind: He’s playing with a HOF QB and a Top 3 WR in Michael Thomas. Defenses also have to respect Alvin Kamara in space. In a speed league, Ingram doesn’t feel like a natural fit.
Kareem Hunt, KC
Will have to serve at least an 8-game suspension for alleged assault when a team picks him up, and he might get a year for this incident in early 2018. Some team will make a move on Hunt in the offseason, and if he’s able to return to the NFL in October after being away from the game for a year, someone will have him fresh for the playoffs.