Arian Foster and Marshawn Lynch could end up available on the free agent market this offseason if they are released by the Texans and Seahawks and a number of teams could be interested in signing the running backs. The Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins all could be potential landing spots for those players if they are cut.
Lynch dealt with injuries this season and there is a chance he could be cut heading into 2016 with his $11.5 million cap hit. Lynch's salary is non-guaranteed for next season and he will be 30 by the time next season starts and that also could be a factor in what the Seahawks do. Foster is in a similar situation, as he dealt with injuries this season and is entering the final year of his contract, which has a $6.5 million base salary that is non-guaranteed.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Aaron Wilson reports that "multiple sources" have said that Foster could be released this offseason and that the Texans are "expected t move on" from the running back. According to the Seattle Times, head coach Pete Carroll said that "I don't know how that's going to go," in regards to the future for Lynch with the Seahawks. There has been speculation all season that this would be the last season for Lynch in Seattle, as the team saw Thomas Rawls step up while Lynch was injured.
Foster will also be 30 by the time next season starts and he is coming off of significant injuries to his groin and Achilles. Both players are getting towards the age when most RBs break down, but they still could be valuable options for teams as secondary running backs or backups. The Dallas Cowboys replaced DeMarco Murray with Darren McFadden and while McFadden had a fine season, the Cowboys could be looking to add more.
The Patriots have a history with RB veterans, while the Raiders could look for a backup for Latavius Murray in either Foster or Lynch. The Browns running game was a mess last season and could use a boost with Hue Jackson coming in, while the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins and Bears could be options if they lose players like Lamar Miller, Alfred Morris and Matt Forte, as all three are heading towards free agency.
Foster could be a potential option for the Raiders, as Chris Simms of Bleacher Report writes that Foster could be a great fit for the team next season. The Raiders have a franchise starter in Latavius Murray, who rushed for over 1000 yards this season, but the team ranked in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards overall. Roy Helu and Taiwan Jones did not do enough last season and Simms writes that Foster could be the perfect complimentary back for Murray if he can stay healthy. Lynch likely will be a prime target for teams if he is released by the Seahawks.
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