The NFL free agent class for 2015 has a number of options on the offensive side with Dez Bryant, Randall Cobb, Demaryius Thomas, Jeremy Maclin and Jordan Cameron hitting the market and the running back position is well represented with Mark Ingram, CJ Spiller, Ryan Mathews and Knowshon Moreno and teams like the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Ravens could be potential options.
Ingram had a strong season despite being injured early for the Saints and he should be in line for a solid contract if he leaves New Orleans. The team did not pick up his fifth year option and he ended up having his most productive season and now he could end up as a starter with another team. Spiller is hitting the market after missing half the season with a collarbone injury and he will be 28 when next year starts up in September.
Mathews dealt with injuries this season as well and that will only add to his reputation as an injury-prone player as he hits the market. Mathews made it through last season without any injury issues, but this year he played in only six games for the Chargers, the lowest amount of his career. Ingram is the youngest of the three backs and that is one reason why he likely will get the most attention of the group. While his injury issues in the past are a problem, it also has limited his exposure at a punishing position and that could lead to some strong play moving forward. Ingram played in his most games since 2012 and set career highs in receptions, touchdowns and rushing yards.
Ingram had 964 yards on the ground this season with nine touchdowns and he added 29 catches for 145 yards through the air. Ingram had more catches this season than he had in the previous three years and he beat his total rushing yards in the past two seasons combined with his production this season. Ingram is young and after averaging 4.3 yards per carry this season it looks like it could have been a mistake to not pick up his option. The Saints have depth at the position, as they are happy with Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson.
Spiller had his best season in 2012 and the Bills are hoping that if he returns, he can be back to that form in the backfield. Spiller had 300 yards this season in nine games and that came after a slightly disappointing 2013 when he had 927 rushing yards in 15 games. Spiller had over 1200 yards rushing in 2012 and added 43 catches for 459 yards receiving, but all those numbers went down the next year. GM Doug Whaley said that the team is looking to sign back Spiller and he is a key piece of their offense, especially with his dual threat skills.
Mathews comes in after rushing for 330 yards in six games this season and that followed his career year from 2013. Mathews had 1255 yards while playing a full schedule last year and he scored six touchdowns while also catching 26 balls. The Raiders got basically nothing from Darren McFadden and MJD this season, while Miami will need to add some help behind Lamar Miller after losing Knowshon Moreno. Ingram should get the most attention of the three on the market.
