-Combine happened, Jets cut DE Mo Wilkerson, Marcus Peters traded to Rams, Matt Forte retired, Kurt Coleman signed by Saints, Dolphins franchise tag Jarvis Landry, Cowboys franchise tag Demarcus Lawrence, Lions franchise tag Ezekiel Ansah, Robert Quinn traded to Dolphins
Here's the post:
1. Le'Veon Bell, Steelers:Bell is easily the best RB in FA if not the best overall player. Bell is a one of a kind amazing RB and receiver. Bell is a workhorse in Pittsburgh and for many years has been a top 3 back in the league. Bell is likely to return to Pittsburgh on a franchise tag but if deals fall through look for Bell to BOLT. If somehow he doesn't go back to Pittsburgh, it would send shockwaves throughout the entire league.
Likely Landing Spots: Steelers, Giants, 49ers, Patriots, Buccaneers
2. Dion Lewis, Patriots:
Lewis in his last few seasons has become one of the most unique, versatile, and dangerous players in the league. Lewis can do it all. He can run, he can catch, he can return balls. Lewis is an instant huge add to any offense in the league with his young age and ability to get away from everybody. NE might not re-sign him which could give him a huge market.
Likely Landing Spots: Patriots, Dolphins, Seahawks
3. Carlos Hyde, 49ers:While Hyde has regressed a little over his past 2 seasons, he is still young and pretty much unproven. There have been times in his young career where Hyde has looked really really good. You can see and tell that the Niners are not a great fit for Hyde as it doesn't seem like they trust him much as their lead ball carrier. I think Hyde will join a team that is in need of a starter and will trust him. Hyde still has many great years ahead of him if he can find the right situation.
Likely Landing Spots: Giants, Seahawks, Colts
4. Orleans Darkwa, Giants:
While Darkwa is still a unproved and bad to some people, I thought he was actually really good when he started for the Giants last year. Midway through the year the Giants gave Orleans Darkwa the starting RB nod and he was actually pretty efficient with the role. Now he remains a question mark on if NY will re-sign him or just get someone else. The future remains unclear for Darkwa but someone will likely give him a role.
Likely Landing Spots: Giants, Jets, Packers, Seahawks
5. Rex Burkhead, Patriots:Who knows what the Pats are doing with their confusing RB situation but one player who was an end of the year stud for them was Burkhead. Burkhead was a TD machine and gave the Pats a nice receiving threat. In my fantasy football league playoffs I even STARTED him. Burkhead had a nice career year and I would think New England would love to keep him but don't know if they will. Its anyones guess where Burkhead will play next year.
Likely Landing Spots: Patriots, Packers, Seahawks, Lions
6. Jerick McKinnon, Vikings:
McKinnon may either be a sleeper on the market or overpaid. The 25 year old back quietly had a pretty nice season. McKinnon is super speedy and looked like on a certain team could easily be the no. 1 back. McKinnon wants to get paid and I'm sure a team out there will give him it. There is some risk given he's tiny and to me, I haven't seen too many of those glimpses of greatness.
Likely Landing Spots: Giants, Packers, Seahawks, Lions
7. Darren Sproles, Eagles
Sproles is up there in age and coming off a bad injury so that could scare some teams away but there should still be demand for the versatile back Sproles. Sproles has been with the Eagles and he has been good. He's been their best returning asset along with a few seasons of some really spectacular sneaky play. Sproles is a great receiving back and he can kind of do it all. Philly would love to have him back but since they have so many young emerging talents at RB it doesn't make sense for them to do. Sproles will find a team.Likely Landing Spots: Packers, Seahawks, Patriots, 49ers, Lions
8. Isaiah Crowell, Browns:
Crowell has not been a feature back for the Browns but he has started multiple games over the past few seasons and has had some huge moments. Crowell has looked AMAZING at times and others just looked like an average Cleveland Brown. Crowell is only 25 which is the most intriguing thing. Crowell could have a bright future in this league but I can't see Cleveland letting go of him unless they are super confident in Duke Johnson or know they are taking Saquon Barkely no. 1.
Likely Landing Spots: Browns, Ravens, Seahawks
9. Alfred Morris, Cowboys:Morris has been on the Cowboys the past few years and we've only seen a little bit of what he can do but he is still 29 and could be good in a 3rd down back role. In Dallas, Morris was a third down back type of player who stepped in when Zeke was suspended and down. Morris looked good in most of those moments and that could prompt a needy team to give him a deal to become their 3rd down back. Morris will find a team.
Likely Landing Spots: Jets, Giants, Cowboys
10. Frank Gore, Colts:
Gore's glory days are over. Gore is 34 and didn't look great last year. Still there were some moments where Gore looked good. The future hall of famer is nearing the end of his illustrious career and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him switch teams one more time. Gore is a great mentor to young players and could be a great veteran 3rd down addition to any team. I can see him going back to San Fransisco to end his career in the place where he had most of it.
Likely Landing Spots: 49ers, Colts, Seahawks, Chargers
Just Missed: LeGarrette Blount, Eagles
Thanks for reading my top 10 free agent RB's. I hope you enjoyed and I will have another top 10 free agent post up soon!
Cred: Spotrac, Steelers Gab, Sports Blogs, MassLive.com, PhillyVoice, NBC DFW.com
