The NFL offseason has some solid running backs that should be available this offseason, including Matt Forte, Marshawn Lynch, Lamar Miller, Arian Foster, Chris Ivory and LeGarrette Blount. Lynch and Foster could be released by their current teams, while the rest of the group is headed towards free agency.
The running back position could be a main target for teams this offseason, as the Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Patriots all could address the position. Forte is hitting the market after a productive career with the Bears and he is not expected to return to Chicago, making him a top target in free agency. Miller is going to be just 25 when next season starts and there is a chance he could leave Miami if his price tag gets too high.
The Jets may let Ivory go despite the running back having a productive season, while the Patriots may not bring back Blount in favor of going after another veteran like Forte. Doug Martin is hitting the free agent market as well, but reports have him likely signing back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason. Foster and Lynch will be two players to watch this offseason, as reports have both players expected to be released by their current teams.
Lynch and his future in Seattle have been up in the air all season, as the running back dealt with multiple injuries in 2015. Lynch had his worst season production-wise since coming to Seattle and his high cap number may be the main factor in whether he returns or not. According to ESPN.com, Lynch is considering retirement, but that decision has not yet been officially made. Lynch will cost over $11 million on the cap for next season and that price tag may be too high for a player that appeared in just seven games last season.
The Seahawks have Thomas Rawls and he could be ready to take over after playing well in Lynch's place during the season. Foster is in a similar spot, as he is about to hit 30 and is coming off of another injury-plagued season. Foster has not played in a full 16-game season for the Texans since back in 2012 and that could be a main factor in his release. Foster has a non-guaranteed salary of $6.5 million for next season and after coming off of groin and Achilles injuries, the Houston Chronicle reports that the Texans are considering releasing the running back.
If the Dolphins let Miller go, the team could target players like Lynch, Foster or Forte as options to help replace him. The Patriots reportedly will consider Forte as an option, while the Dallas Cowboys could be in the market for some help for Darren McFadden. The team had Joseph Randle and Christine Michael at points last season, but neither running back worked out for the Cowboys and now they could add a free agent to the mix.
