The NFL free agent market has a new RB name with LaMichael James being released by the San Francisco 49ers and now the running back will get the chance to sign with a new team and the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, NY Giants and Rams all could be options for his services.
According to Pro Football Talk, James has been released by the 49ers and it comes after he was pushed on the depth chart by Carlos Hyde behind Frank Gore. James had two snaps on offense and two snaps on special teams in Week 1.
This is an older article, updating it as we go, bear with us please, we are working on it. Thanks very much. The Dallas Cowboys are coming into the 2014 season with a number of needs on offense and running back is one area where they could use more depth and a trade for LaMichael James or Mark Ingram could be options for Jerry Jones to give DeMarco Murray some support, as Tony Romo needs a more consistent offense this year if the team wants to get back to the playoffs.
The Cowboys finished in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards last season and while Murray had over 1,000 yards and the best production of his career, he has had injury issues and both Philip Tanner and Joseph Randle are still unproven. The Cowboys don't have much room on the cap, but the free agent market is very thin and adding a player like James or Ingram could give Tony Romo a more consistent option to play the pass off of. The 49ers have been shopping James this offseason and while the Saints aren't actively looking to trade Ingram, the team did not pick up his contract option and that means his long term future in New Orleans is likely over.
The Cowboys ranked 24th in the league in rushing yards per game last season with less than 100 gained per contest and they did not address the position in the draft, although they added a great lineman in Zack Martin from Notre Dame. The Niners have been shopping James this offseason and it's clear they are ready to move on from him, as they have Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter and also drafted Carlos Hyde, who joins Marcus Lattimore in the backfield depth chart. James is an electric talent, but he has not been able to get on the field on a consistent basis and he likely will not be on the roster next season.
James could be used as a returner on special teams with his speed and a change of scenery could be big for him, as he was very successful in college. James was one of the most explosive players in college football and he had over 2,000 yards in his final season and scored 57 touchdowns in his three year career and during that time he finished third in Heisman voting in 2010. Ingram also could be an option if the Saints want to move him, as they are content with Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson after trading away Darren Sproles.
The offense is still an embarrassment of riches, as the team has Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham, Kenny Stills and now Brandin Cooks as wide receivers for Drew Brees. The Saints did not pick up the fifth year option on Ingram, who won a Heisman in college and has rushed for 1,462 yards with 11 touchdowns during his time in the NFL. Ingram has dealt with injuries over the past few years and while he had some nice performances this season, including a career high against the Cowboys, the Saints did not pick up his fifth year option.