LaMichael James finally got his wish. The running back spent the past two years buried on the depth chart with the San Francisco 49ers, not getting any playing time behind the likes of Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter last year. James simply wants to play. He held out of offseason team activities a move he denied was because of unhappiness in San Francisco. However, the running back once again requested a release from the team and this time he got it.
The 49ers announced on Monday that running back James was released which leaves San Francisco with just two healthy running backs on the 53-man roster. According to James' agent, the running back wanted to be utilized more and the 49ers were not giving him that chance. San Francisco is favoring the running back tandem of Gore and rookie Carlos Hyde. Head coach Jim Harbaugh noted that the team was very pleased with the progress of the rookie and was comfortable giving him more playing time as the season continues.
So where does James land? According to NJ.com, the obvious roster for James is the Philadelphia Eagles. IF there is a coach that knows how to use the dynamic abilities of James it is Chip Kelly. The two were highly successful together at Oregon leading James to get a Heisman nomination in his final season with the Ducks. The Eagles have LeSean McCoy leading the ground game charge while Darren Sproles rotates as a running back and wide receiver. Third-string back Chris Polk as a hamstring injury so there is a need for James. He would give the Eagles a healthy third option that can be utilized in the offense or returning kick offs.
The New York Giants could be another option for James as he will likely clear waivers. The Giants need as many offensive performers as they can get. The team's opening game against the Detroit Lions proved that New York is lacking big-play makers. Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle lead the wide receivers while Rashad Jennings takes the lead back spot. James is dynamic enough that he would help make up for the absence of Odell Beckham Jr. James is an upgrade Preston Parker in the return game and an even bigger upgrade from Peyton Hillis as the third-string back.
The Oakland Raiders could be an option for James as well. Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew struggled heavily in Week 1. James is the versatile player the offense is lacking. He could help bail out Derek Carr in his rookie season.
Will James get a second-chance to prove himself in the NFL? Getting placed onto the free agent market at this point in the year certainly makes the odds slim, but one injury will place him into the spotlight.
