The Atlanta Falcons have plenty of holes to fill on the roster this upcoming offseason to go along with their search for a new head coach and coordinators. The team is far cry from the unit that went to the NFC Championship back in 2012 despite having a fair number of the same players on the roster. In need of improving the offensive line and the defensive side of the ball, the running back position will be a primary area of focus.
SBNation.com raises the question of whether the Falcons would be wise to search for a primary running back in 2015 or go by a committee. The Falcons exceled with Michael Turner as their primary rusher from 2008 to 2010, but he was promptly released following struggles in 2012. They signed Steven Jackson in free agency to fill the role as the primary rusher and that experiment failed thanks to age, injuries and a poor offensive line. As Jackson's contract is set to expire this offseason, Atlanta must decide the best route to take at the position.
The only running back set to return in 2015 is rookie Devonta Freeman. While he did not get a tone of playing time this season, Freeman showed a lot of potential, putting up 248 yards rushing along with 225 yards receiving. He has shown flashes of star potential, but is he ready to take over the spot as the lead back? Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith will be free agents and chances are high that the Falcons could re-sign at least one of them, the cheaper and more productive being Smith who was a breakout star before suffering a season-ending injury. However, do the Falcons attempt to chase a big name in free agency as well?
The running back market is weak and likely not improving. Any back signed in the offseason will likely a two-year contract at best if things follow the trend set in 2013. There are certainly quality options on the open market if the Falcons will to take a gamble as a number of younger backs approach the market. Mark Ingram is coming off a career-high season with the New Orleans Saints. Knowshon Moreno will be a free agent after sitting out most of his tenure with the Miami Dolphins injured. It remains to be seen if he can be the same running back he was in his final season with the Denver Broncos. CJ Spiller is also available after a solid tenure with the Buffalo Bills.