Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Free Agency Guide - Part 2: Halfbacks
by Bob_Q on Feb 10, 2010 10:43 PM EST
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PrintThe trading/free agent signing period is fast approaching, so the Eagles front office will have to decide who they plan to pursue come March 5th. Over the next few weeks at BGN, we will be taking a position-by-position look at who we could see in an Eagles uniform come training camp. Today's position? Halfbacks.
With the likelihood of Brian Westbrook retiring at an all-time high, you can bet that the Eagles will give the free agency market a look for a suitable compliment to LeSean McCoy. CFL MVP Martell Mallett has already been signed and the draft will provide a few options, but when your top two halfbacks are McCoy and Eldra Buckley, the argument for an experienced back can easily be made. Here are a few options:
Leon Washington (RFA): Sure, coming off of a broken leg isn't the best situation for a running back to be in, but it's hard to argue Washington's value. He has been a contributing compliment to the Jets' Thomas Jones for years, but the drafting of Shonn Greene may leave Washington as the odd man out in New York. The Eagles, however, could definitely use someone with his speed and experience. Plus, he is a game-breaking kick returner, something the team will be in need of should Ellis Hobbs fail to return for a second season.
Chester Taylor (UFA): Although it's unlikely that the Vikings will want to part with their most experienced running back while Adrian Peterson is still suffering from fumbleitis, they might opt to go with a younger backup through the draft or free agency. Taylor will turn 31 at the start of the 2010 season, but should still be able to compliment and mentor McCoy nicely for a few years.
Jerious Norwood (RFA): Another solid kick return option, the 26 year old Norwood saw his workload decrease this year as third stringer Jason Snelling stepped up his production. While the Falcons may no longer need Norwood's services, the Eagles could definitely benefit from the dual threat that he provides in both the rushing and kick return departments. Although Norwood was forced to relinquish his return duties this year to newcomer Eric Weems, the previous three seasons saw him maintain an average of 25 yards per kick. To put that in perspective, it's about on par with Quintin Demps' average, minus the fumbles.
Other Available Free Agents:
- Pierre Thomas (RFA)
- Darren Sproles (RFA)
- Carnell Williams (RFA)
- LenDale White (RFA)
- Willie Parker (UFA)
- Kevin Faulk (UFA)
- Jerome Harrison (RFA)
- Larry Johnson (UFA)
- Jason Snelling (RFA)
- Mike Bell (RFA)
- Ryan Moats (RFA)
- Chris Brown (UFA)
- Kolby Smith (RFA)
- Ahman Green (UFA)
- Gary Russell (RFA)
- "The Other" Adrian Peterson (UFA)
- Samkon Gado (RFA)
- Aaron Stecker (UFA)
In the next installment, we will be taking a look at fullbacks. Feel free to leave any suggestions on who to examine in the comments section. For more information on unrestricted vs. restricted free agents in a potentially uncapped year, check out this great article over at Mocking The Draft.
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Ryan Moats!
About 10 minutes ago, I was pondering my own existence. Then I decided that it didn't matter.
heck yess lol
Desean Jackson- Im Number 1, the real deal, The 1(0)ne to Watch.
Interview while at Cal.
Man I dont know!!!
We do need a Good back up at RB though. Hell I would even Opt for two. Look at the giants with there super bowl win. 3 good backs. Look at the saints this year. 3 good backs. I mean the saint Backs are not the greatest but they are good. well, at least the saints coaching staff used them well. I just miss the Duce , Westy , and Buck days.
I echo..
..the missing of Duce, BWest, and Buck days. That trio was very comforting…wait, did we actually run the ball back then?
The FO
I do think that the eagles are trying to get that trio back.
we drafted tony hunt,that was supposed to be a nice trio. westy , buck and hunt. Big wiff on hunt though,
I think we gave up a 4th for booker to miami .
Westy , buck and booker.
again Wiff on booker, “Pay backs for the feely thing”
Then we got McCoy and Weaver this year,
West,McCoy and Weaver…..YES
DAMN……west hurt again.
So this year it will be who?
McCoy,Weaver and ………. “INSERT NAME”
Dont we still have to resign weaver though?
i find your lack of Pierre Thomas talk disturbing
he is the best FA runningback of the class, restricted or not. But he is gonna be tied up for awhile, word is he is getting a fat contract. Reggie Bush is gonna be on the chopping block, however because his salary is gonna jump to 8 million, which is not viable for a rotational player.
by birds'n'raiders on Feb 10, 2010 11:22 PM EST reply actions
I really liked how Reggie played in the playoffs
And if he continued that hard-running style, I’d love to see him on the Eagles. But, does 3 games of strong running make up for 3 years of being like a weathered piece of glass? Plus, he’s never had over 600 yards rushing.
by rharris0127 on Feb 10, 2010 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
not sure..
but i know he only had one 100yd rushing game all season..yeah, the N.O. Taints throw the ball a lot, but that’s not all that good..i think reggie is about as good as the reggie on our squad (maybe a little better, actually)
I Got It
This year after playing 14 games
51.78 rcving and rushing ypg with 8 TD’d
last year was 84.4 rcvin and rushing ypg with 6 td’s. he only played 10 games last year though.
So after all said and done looks like the saints did it right and used him as a rotation guy and not worth the 8 million he’s up for. Would make a great duo with McCoy though. still dont think he’s worth 8 mill though.
Nice follow-up
i couldn’t agree more..he’d fit in here i think..he and McCoy are similar backs..add him in with a big, bruising Weaver and we could have a great trio again…but i just can’t see it happening..i feel the Taints will restructure to keep him..if not that, i still feel reggie would want too much loot, especially coming off a great playoff performance and his team winning the SB. plus, i think he’s still scared of Sheldon Brown for that punishing hit
No way the Saints let him get away, so perish the thought.
Bush is more likely, but I think the Saints will either suck it up and pay him or restructure his contract this offseason. I think he likes being in NOLA, but everyone knows he hasn’t earned that payday. I would say his postseason play earned him more than the 2.3 (or whatever it was) million, but not 8 million. I doubt the Saints would just cut him and I can’t imagine anyone trading for him with that contract, so he is in NOLA at least one more year I’d imagine. Maybe a 3 or 4 million/ year contract with loads of lofty incentives? Anyway, if he has bought into a hard running style, he wouldn’t be a bad addition for us, but like everyone else said, not at 8 mill.
I like a bunch of those guys...
I’m not to keen on going for a 30+ guy, but the question to me is….
Do we get another small receiver type guy or more of a balanced back?
ehh
u think sproles will get franchised again? i dont think thomas will be avilable .. no way saints let him go .. but sproles would be a dynamic return guy and a nice pass catching third down back .. we dont run the ball anyways so why not
An inconsistent coach is far worse than an inconsistent quarterback.(Route 36)
by jack is better than asante on Feb 11, 2010 12:15 AM EST up reply actions
i wouldn't mind trying out lendale white.
having white and weaver in the same backfield would be badass.
"it's like i tell my ex-wife, i never drive faster than i can see, and besides it's all in the reflexes." -Jack Burton, Big trouble in little China
white would be a good compliment to mccoy....
and he could also play fullback whenever weaver carries the ball. i also happen to think white could be a great back for the right team. no one thought cedric benson was worth a shit until he broke out last year.
"it's like i tell my ex-wife, i never drive faster than i can see, and besides it's all in the reflexes." -Jack Burton, Big trouble in little China
If the Eagles resign Weaver
I would be stunned if they spent even moderate dollars on a backup RB. More likely they draft another RB with a mid-round pick.
by MG77 on Feb 11, 2010 1:46 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
that would make the most sense...
we invested a 2nd rounder in mccoy last year. andy isn’t the type of guy who would spend big money at the same position he just aimed high for.
I agree whole heartedly with this statement but believe they’ll spend whatever round pick it takes to get a guy Andy likes. There’s typically some great value backs to be found in the late 2nd/early 3rd. I also hope they pay the dollars needed to keep Weaver. Since he’ll command the highest FB contract in the league I remain wary that it’s a lock he’s back.
by andyreidswaistline on Feb 11, 2010 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
Weaver is back
Mark it down. He wants to be here, the Eagles want him, he fits the offense, he can do more than one thing.
I bet they draft someone, but I guess I wouldn’t be too surprised to see McCoy/Weaver/Westbrook with a rookie or Eldra Buckley around to play when BW can’t. They might not invest a whole lot in that position this offseason, aside from whatever they agree to pay Weaver.
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome
I wouldn't shoot for an RFA RB
Don’t want to give up the draft picks. There are several spots where we could build through the draft.
Out of the UFA’s, Larry Johnson is too old and in decline, but Green is a solid backup. Faulk is the best of the UFA’s in my opinion.
The RFA’s have some pretty good names there, but I’m not sure I’d want to give up the picks, since RB is not a position of desperate need and you can draft a quality guy in round 3 or 4 anyway.
I would consider signing an RFA at a position of serious need (defensive end, outside linebacker, offensive line, safety).
Because we're keeping Donovan...
…Chester Taylor seems like the best option. He’s talented, we can give him the ball 10-15 times a game, he doesn’t fumble, and he won’t break the bank so we can sign Peppers. Go for it, fatman.
...But if he pulls the rug on his quarterback, Reid must do it knowing that he let McNabb down more than McNabb ever let him down.
Phil Sheridan--Philadelphia Inquirer
Taylor and Peppers
Me likey!
Taylor is one of the top receiving backs in the league and playing for Brad Childress, it shouldn’t take him long to blend into the offense.
I have a feeling the Eagles will save Westbrook a roster spot, and he will play fewer than 16 games (going out on a limb there) instead of making a move like this though.
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome
We will draft a RB
McCoy and Weaver will get 95% of the carries. So we’re essentially going to get a 3rd RB who won’t see ANY time except blow outs or if anyone gets injured… I still like Buckley
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
If anyone I like Taylor.
Well Thomas really, but he isn’t going anywhere. Bell, though, might not get resigned by the Saints and I like him. Saw plenty of him this year as I live in NOLA and watch plenty Saints games. The best guys on that list are restricted and will probably get resigned anyway.
The obvious choice seems to be resign Weaver and split carries between him and McCoy. Take a later flyer on a RB in the draft and let him, Buckley and Mallet duke it out in camp for the third spot and then cut the weak link.
I wouldn’t mind Kevin Faulk since he’s a beast on 3rd downs but I find it hard to believe Belicheck and Brady let him go.
by andyreidswaistline on Feb 11, 2010 11:17 AM EST reply actions
We need a scatback
I would give a 2nd for Darren Sproles, but there is no way he ISNT San Diegos featured back. Dude is a beast
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