Age as of 9/1/09. All free agents listed here are done so with an optimistic outlook that a new CBA will be agreed upon. Accordingly, only four accrued seasons are necessary to obtain an Unrestricted Free Agency status on this list.
Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins (27) – Restricted FA
Ronnie Brown has been the key to the Dolphins offense which largely runs through him and the Wildcat. He has returned to form to look like one of the league’s best backs. Brown’s combination of size, wiggle, instincts, and speed is elite. His top-notch production and efficiency (4.5 average, 7 touchdowns) should garner plenty of incentive for Miami to keep around for another 4-5 year deal. The Dolphins will wait and see what happens with the CBA because Brown has an interesting option built into his contract. Should the owners and the NFL Players Association reach a new deal before the deadline, a $5 million 2010 option will kick in, but otherwise Brown will become a Restricted Free Agent.
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints (24) – Restricted FA
After returning from injury that cost him a couple early games, Thomas has continued to be an effective and efficient part time runner for the Saints. Splitting carries with a number of talented backs, Thomas averages 5.6 yards per carry through his first four games with 3 touchdowns. He’s a nice compliment to Reggie Bush, Brees, and passing game and will continue to be so through at least next year, unless another team decides to heavily court him, willing to part with picks in the process. The Saints will likely put the highest restricted tender on him if they can’t extend him, which would force any other team to concede 1st and 3rd round selections to acquire him.
Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27)
Like his college teammate, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams has had a rebirth of sorts after a couple injury-plagued seasons. He’s reclaimed the starting gig in Tampa Bay and run well while sharing carries. If he can make it through the year healthy, the Buccaneers should look to re-sign him with all the cap room they have available. He has played a lot better than his volume production indicates because the offense has been unable to stay on the field for extended periods. Williams will get nothing more than a mid-level contract.
Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers (26)
It’s very difficult to measure the importance of Darren Sproles because his greatest value isn’t as a traditional runner. With Tomlinson also struggling to get the running game moving, Sproles’ lack of success pounding the ball can be partially attributed to a below average run blocking unit. Still, Sproles is best when put on a touch count and given most of his work on screens and the return game. He won’t make $6.6 million a year, like he’s making on his franchise tender, but will get a good mid-level contract rewarding him for his explosiveness and unique contributions. Sproles is one of the league’s best back-up or change-of-pace backs.
LenDale White, Tennessee Titans (24)
White hasn’t gotten received nearly the amount of chances he did last year and that’s the biggest reason for his dip in production. The Titans offense hasn’t been able to move the ball to the goal line to give White TD opportunities and Chris Johnson’s big play ability has continued to eat away at his normal carries. He’s still the same type of player he was last year, but that’s only a situational and short yardage back. White is the perfect smash for Johnson’s dash, but White may decide to move on from Tennessee if he foresees his workload diminishing even more.
Leon Washington, New York Jets (27)
It’s always unfortunate to see any player get injured, but it’s all the more painful to see them go down on a contract year. The broken leg should heal in a couple months, but it will most likely eat into what could have been a big payday. Washington is similar to Sproles, but a better pure runner. Washington has the speed to turn the corner and be the great complementary back. He has added value as a kick returner where he’s among the NFL’s most feared. This summer, he turned down a number of contract offers in hopes of a huge payday in free agency, so we’ll see if he drops his asking price. If his asking price remains high, he would also risk playing for just a Restricted Free Agent contract if a new CBA isn’t reached.
Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons (26)
Norwood has been largely unproductive this season thanks to injuries. When we thought the Falcons would try to limit Turner’s workload by passing some of his carries to the explosive Norwood, he’s been largely unavailable. Norwood can’t be counted on as an every down back, but will sign a contract indicative of his role right now in Atlanta. That should most likely be in Atlanta because starter money is most likely off the table around the league.
Chester Taylor, Minnesota Vikings (29)
Running behind Adrian Peterson, Taylor hasn’t gotten nearly the amount of touches he could be elsewhere. You do have to tip your hat to the Vikings coaching staff though for using him to the best of his abilities. His rushing numbers are the worst of his career, but his true value comes as a 3rd down back and in his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Even with his age, Taylor will continue to be an effective back for several years in a Kevin Faulk type role. If the Vikings don’t try hard to retain him, he could move to another contender and have success elsewhere.
Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins (32)
We’re seeing shades of the old Ricky Williams this year. There’s something fresh about him. He’s hitting holes harder and getting through them with more speed on the other end. Williams is 32, but had a couple years off in the middle of his career and may have gotten his second wind, where he’s averaging over 5 yards a carry and has 6 touchdowns through 6 games. The Dolphins will also have Ronnie Brown to try to re-sign and also have a nice 3rd back in Patrick Cobbs. Williams could be one of the better short-term backs to hit the market this offseason, especially if other teams retain their younger back-ups.
Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers (28)
Parker is back to his injured ways missing a couple games in the young season. His 3.1 average is well below back-up Rashard Mendenhall’s 5.4 average. Quickly approaching the scary age of 30 with durability concerns, Parker won’t be a highly sought after commodity in free agency. His value may be highest to the Steelers who may pay him a little more than his market price based on past success in Pittsburgh. What he missed out on is a last lucrative extension he could have had if he run away with the starting job. The Steelers may offer him a below-average, frontloaded starter’s deal that factors in a slow decline in carries.
Other Notable Free Agents:
Mike Bell, New Orleans Saints (26)
Kenneth Darby, St. Louis Rams (26)
Kevin Faulk, New England Patriots (33)
Jerome Harrison, Cleveland Browns (26)
Le’Ron McClain, Baltimore Ravens (24) – Restricted FA
Adrian Peterson, Chicago Bears (30)
Kolby Smith, Kansas City Chiefs (24) – Restricted FA
DeShawn Wynn, Green Bay Packers (25) – Restricted FA
Tony Richardson, New York Jets (37) – Fullback
Justin Griffith, Seattle Seahawks (29) – Fullback
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