The running back position is suddenly falling into the spotlight in recent weeks as two marquee players have been suspended from their respective teams. With Ray Rice suspended indefinitely and Adrian Peterson being placed on the exempt list, the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens could be looking for upgrades at the position in the next week. There are some high-profile names hanging out on the market who could get some looks their way.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, BenJarvus Green-Ellis is getting plenty of phone calls from teams over the past few days and the Vikings and Ravens are thought to be two of the teams interested. According to La Canfora, Green-Ellis is still rehabbing an injury, but if he proves he is healthy then a contract could be coming his way sooner rather than later. The running back has had successful stints with both the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals, but was too injury prone to remain on the team. Green-Ellis would come very cheap and teams know it. He would be a quality backup for any team.
LaMichael James is another running back garnering interest. The former Oregon star is on the free agent market after being granted a release from the San Francisco 49ers. The team drafted him in the second round and then never used him despite his proven talents and versatility. James simply wants to play and after some dramatics on his end, the 49ers were forced to cut him.
The Miami Herald reported that James has worked out for the Miami Dolphins following injuries to Knowshon Moreno and Lamar Miller, but his visit ended without a contract. That does not mean one is not on the way. James has starting talents that either the Vikings or Ravens could be interested in. He also has experience on special teams running back punts and kickoffs. James is the healthiest running back on the market after barely getting used with San Francisco.
Right now, the Vikings are in limbo at the position. It is unknown how long Peterson will be out for so Matt Asiata will take over the starting job. However, there is not much behind him, so if Peterson is going to be out for an extended period of time, signing someone else is not a bad choice.
Rice is not going to be back this season. The Ravens have Bernard Pierce and Justin Forsett taking over the position for the time being. Both running backs have looked good since Rice's absence, but adding someone else would not hurt.