The NFL offseason could see some notable players change teams at running back, as names like Marshawn Lynch, Arian Foster, Doug Martin, Alfred Morris, Lamar Miller and Matt Forte could be in new uniforms next season.
Morris, Miller, Forte and Martin are all set to be free agents this winter, while reports have Lynch and Foster likely getting released by their current teams. The position could be one to watch this offseason with those players potentially hitting the market, as a number of teams should be targeting running backs this winter. According to Pro Football Talk, sources report that the Texans are considering releasing Foster this offseason after the running back dealt with injuries in 2015.
Lynch also could be in a similar position, as he will be 30 by the time next season starts and he dealt with numerous injuries during the 2015 season. Lynch started off last year with a contract holdout and while he did receive a pay bump for this past season, he received no security for future years. Lynch has a cap hit at over $11 million next year and the Seahawks can save $6.5 million if they release him. Lynch played in just seven games this season and put up his lowest numbers during his career with the Seahawks.
Lynch missed the back stretch of the season after having abdominal surgery and he also missed time earlier in the year with a hamstring injury. With Thomas Rawls playing well and costing a fraction of what Lynch will cost, it's likely the Seahawks will make a move. According to head coach Pete Carroll, the future of Lynch is uncertain, as he said that "I don't know how that's going to go," after being asked about Lynch coming back to the team.
Foster could be out in Houston, as Aaron Wilson at the Houston Chronicle reports that "multiple sources" have said that the Texans are thinking about releasing Foster. Foster is entering the final year of his contract and will be 30 next season while making a non-guaranteed $6.5 million. Foster missed most of the year with groin and Achilles injuries and while he has been a productive player for many years, it could be time to move on in Houston.
Teams like the Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys could look at Foster or Lynch if they hit the market along with Morris, Miller, Forte and Martin. Martin reportedly is talking with the Bucs about a new deal, but Forte is unlikely to return to Chicago, while Miller could opt to leave Miami if he doesn't think he fits in the new offense for Adam Gase. Morris is likely to end up back in Washington, but there is a chance he could sign elsewhere.
Check here for more on the NFL free agent class and players that could be released.
