2008 Free Agent Running Backs

Here are the top free agent running backs this year...

1) Michael Turner (UFA), San Diego Chargers- Michael Turner has created a lot of interest in a lot of teams over the past two years. Though he doesn't get much playing time at all behind LT, he averages 5 yards a carry and could be a star runningback for another team. Teams such as the Packers and the Bears supposedly contacted the Chargers in the beginning of the season about a potential trade regarding Turner, but neither went through. Turner will most likely leave the Chargers for a starting role on another team. Signed with Falcons

2) Julius Jones (UFA), Dallas Cowboys- Jones has seen his reps decrease over the past two seasons because of Marion Barber, though he is listed as the team's starting runningback. The Cowboys seem to dislike Jones and were trying to deal him to a team before the trade deadline but were unable to do so. There is a very slim chance that Jones returns to the Cowboys next year. Two teams that could be interested in Jones are the Jets and the Bears. The Jets have Thomas Jones as their starting back, though he is struggling being the full time starter. The Bears' Cedric Benson is also struggling without Thomas Jones this year and they may be looking for another back to split time with him. (Thomas Jones and Julius Jones are brothers). Signed with Seahawks

3) Jamal Lewis (UFA), Cleveland Browns- Lewis has not been the same player he was with the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis is no longer bursting out for huge runs, but now gets fewer yards per carries, though he does get his share of touchdowns. Lewis is also getting old (29 next year), so that could be a factor for teams. Re-signed with the Browns

4) Marion Barber (RFA), Dallas Cowboys- Barber has become the Cowboy's real #1 runningback though he does not start. Barber leads the league in fourth down rushing and there is really no chance Jerry Jones and the Cowboys let Barber get away. Re-Signed with Cowboys

Other Free Agent Running Backs
Fred Taylor RFA Jacksonville Jaguars
Derrick Ward RFA New York Giants
Vernand Morrency UFA Green Bay Packers
Chris Brown UFA Tennessee Titans
Cedric Cobbs RFA Denver Broncos
T.J. Duckett UFA Detroit Lions-Signed with Seahawks
Justin Fargas UFA Oakland Raiders Re-signed with Raiders
Noah Herron RFA Green Bay Packers
Maurice Hicks UFA San Francisco 49ers
Travis Minor UFA St. Louis Rams
Mewelde Moore UFA Minnesota Vikings
Artose Pinner UFA Minnesota Vikings
Musa Smith UFA Baltimore Ravens
Tyson Thompson RFA Dallas Cowboys
LaBrandon Toefield UFA Jacksonville Jaguars

Other Free Agent Full Backs
Mike Alstott UFA Tampa Bay Buccaneers Retired
Brad Hoover UFA Carolina Panthers
Tony Richardson UFA Minnesota Vikings
Derrick Wimbush RFA Jacksonville Jaguars