DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers

[skinsfaninok]

I think we need to worry about WR before RB

[Chico23231]

This is what I found with free agent RBs:


2011 NFL Free Agent Running Backs
By: Roshan Bhagat
DeAngelo Williams, CAR – With Jonathan Stewart still locked up, will DeAngelo Williams become expendable? I doubt the Panthers allow Williams to leave via free agency, but he could very well become an acquirable commodity next offseason through a tag and trade.

Jamaal Charles, KC – Charles’ 1120 yards, 5.9 average, 7 touchdowns, and 40 receptions were all impressive numbers. On a per snap basis, few running backs were more productive last season. With his electrifying speed, Charles appears to be a big part of the Chiefs’ future.

Cedric Benson, CIN – The former first-round bust revitalized his career with 1200 yards for a Bengals offense that did the same. Though he’ll be 28 in December, Benson probably has one more good contract left in him if he can prove that 2009 was not an anomaly.



Jerome Harrison, CLE – After carrying all but 77 times in his first 3 years, Harrison rushed for 862 yards on 194 attempts last year including 3 straight 125 yard games to close the season. As a 5th round pick, Harrison still hasn’t made much money, which means this year will be even more pivotal for him.

Michael Bush, OAK – In a limited role, Bush has posted some eye-popping numbers behind a pedestrian offensive line and a nonexistent passing game. Bush was a potential first-round selection prior to his leg injury which sidelined him for his senior season. With 589 yards and a 4.8 average, Bush has shown glimpses that he could be a punishing starter elsewhere, if not in Oakland.

Darren Sproles, SD – Sproles has proven that he can’t be a starting back, but is exactly what most teams look for from their back-up. He’s a dangerous weapon on special teams and a threat to take any touch to the end zone.

Joseph Addai, IND – Joseph Addai was once one of the league’s promising backs, but injuries and a slowly deteriorating Colts’ offensive line have cut into that potential. Now at 27, Addai probably has one good contract left, but must first compete with Donald Brown to prove that he can still be the complete back he once was.



Ronnie Brown, MIA – Subtract the injuries from Brown’s career and many pundits may be rightfully comparing Ronnie Brown to Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, and the league’s other premiere backs. Unfortunately, he’s rarely fully healthy and has never had the opportunity to build off his previous seasons. For the Dolphins, the decision on Brown will boil down to matching money.

Ricky Williams, MIA – The years out of the league have spared Williams the damage that would have thrown a brick wall at most backs by this age. Williams is still a productive back, but anything more than a short term contract, or one that depreciates in value, would be a mistake. If the two parties can reach a deal, Miami will likely retain services until his body wears out.

Le’Ron McClain, BAL (FB) – McClain could easily become the league’s most valuable fullback over the next decade if he allows for it. However, given his recent comments requesting more carries, I very much doubt if he’ll stick around in Baltimore after the year is over.

Other Notable Free Agents:
Tim Hightower, ARI
Jerious Norwood, ATL
Kevin Smith, DET
Brandon Jackson, GB
Kolby Smith, KC
Fred Taylor, NE
Laurence Maroney, NE
Kevin Faulk, NE
Sammy Morris, NE
Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG
Mike Bell, PHI
Mewelde Moore, PIT
Mike Tolbert, SD
Leon Washington, SEA
Kenneth Darby, STL
Clifton Smith, TB
Willie Parker, WAS
Brian Leonard, CIN (FB)
Deon Anderson, DAL (FB)
Korey Hall, GB (FB)
Vonta Leach, HOU (FB)
Naufahu Tahi, MIN (FB)
Ahmard Hall, TEN (FB)

[scott.sharrer]

Originally Posted by skinsfaninok

I think we need to worry about WR before RB

Tick for tat. It depends on the focus of the Offense. You need to have better WR's then you do RB's if you want to use the passing game to open the running game (the new trend in the NFL). You need better RB's then WR's if you want the running game to open your passing game.

Shanahan, from what I have seen, has always been a run first coach. To be really good at this, you need a good RB. I would rather get a really good RB and young WRs who can be groomed easily. WRs like DeSean Jackson would be really good.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

DW is going to be big $$. Of course we need to upgrade the OL first and foremost, and it's nice for a change to actually have faith the front office is on the same page in that regard. Still, we definitely need to upgrade at RB as well.

I like Dengelo Williams, and at 27 he's got a few good years left. He's an upgrade over what we have now considering this will probaly be the last year for Portis. I'm not sold on Torian's ability to stay healthy though he has shown promise.

I'm in total agreement with your assessment on the O/L. Nothing is going to be an upgrade until we improve the most important part of the offense.

[BleedBurgundy]

Until we get the line fixed, any resources directed at running back are wasted. I would only make exception for a back that brings a significant talent in the passing game.

[SolidSnake84]

I think we need to make our own talent through the draft, instead of relying on retread or recycled players..

[SFREDSKIN]

Then there's this story, it's a long, long, long shot. But I wonder who drafted him?

Maurice Clarett on UFL comeback: 'It's a blessing from God' - ESPN

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by BleedBurgundy

Until we get the line fixed, any resources directed at running back are wasted. I would only make exception for a back that brings a significant talent in the passing game.

Totally agree....Donovan McNabb must cringe when he see's this offensive line trot out onto the field and pretend to be blockers.

T. Williams, a gem providing he can stay free of injury. Could still use another year in the weight room.

K. Lictensteiger, UFA on the street after being released by the Vikings in 2009

C. Rabach, UFA Problems with power players.

A. Hicks, UFA Serviceable, diminishing skills.

S. Heyer, UDFA Mr Pitiful rotating with J.Brown obtained in trade, not healthy and so far has shown an inability to get well.

Far to many FA's behind the name of these players. This unit absolutely MUST be dealt with in order to have any hope for this offense to improve. It's more important than any skilled position.

[saden1]

With an injury he's going to be at bargain price...how about we draft a RB in the second round?

[GMScud]

I don't think there's a chance in hell KC lets Jamaal Charles get away. As far as D'Angelo, I definitely don't want to throw that kind of money at an injury prone guy.

I agree with SS that we'd be better served to develop guys like Williams and Torain and maybe see what we have in James Davis as well.

This team needs to focus on developing young talent/draft picks. Besides, I think OL and WR are more of a priority right now. I don't see Shanahan spending big bucks on a RB anyway. Not really his style.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by saden1

With an injury he's going to be at bargain price...how about we draft a RB in the second round?

How about an O-lineman or WR?

[SirClintonPortis]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I don't think there's a chance in hell KC lets Jamaal Charles get away. As far as D'Angelo, I definitely don't want to throw that kind of money at an injury prone guy.

I agree with SS that we'd be better served to develop guys like Williams and Torain and maybe see what we have in James Davis as well.

This team needs to focus on developing young talent/draft picks. Besides, I think OL and WR are more of a priority right now. I don't see Shanahan spending big bucks on a RB anyway. Not really his style.

Yep, Charles is one of those "franchise players", a cornerstone, etc. Drafted in the 3rd round even. Of course, we the Skins would have used such a pick better. Traded it away for some overrated vet!!!!!

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I don't think there's a chance in hell KC lets Jamaal Charles get away. As far as D'Angelo, I definitely don't want to throw that kind of money at an injury prone guy.

I agree with SS that we'd be better served to develop guys like Williams and Torain and maybe see what we have in James Davis as well.

This team needs to focus on developing young talent/draft picks. Besides, I think OL and WR are more of a priority right now. I don't see Shanahan spending big bucks on a RB anyway. Not really his style.

If there was a chance would you take it? I would for sure. The other RBs on that list are not worth a big paycheck. I think a Sproles in the backfield would be a plus though.

I agree OL is a priority right now. WRs yeah sure, but if Santana Moss leaves that probably becomes priority 1 on offense

[saden1]

Originally Posted by GMScud

How about an O-lineman or WR?

How about defensive backs and defensive linemen and linebackers? There's no shortage of needs. We need a new center for sure.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

If there was a chance would you take it? I would for sure. The other RBs on that list are not worth a big paycheck. I think a Sproles in the backfield would be a plus though.

I agree OL is a priority right now. WRs yeah sure, but if Santana Moss leaves that probably becomes priority 1 on offense

If there's still no salary cap, sure. He turns 24 next month. I'd be thrilled to have him, I just don't think it's worth much of a discussion because IMO the likelihood of KC letting him walk is basically zero.