7 running backs the Jets could target in free agency
7 running backs the Jets could target in free agency Share this article 589 shares share tweet text email link on Facebook on Twitter via text message on LinkedIn via email https://jetswire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-free-agency-new-york-jets-running-back-targets-cordarrelle-patterson-james-conner/ Tyler Calvaruso March 4, 2022 7:45 am ET
Important decisions lie ahead for Joe Douglas with free agency looming.
The Jets made some progress in 2021, but Robert Saleh still needs more talent to work with. New York enters the offseason with holes on both sides of the ball and free agency is the perfect time to address some of them.
Gang Green is set for the future with Michael Carter at running back. The fourth-round pick led the team in scrimmage yards as a rookie despite missing time with an ankle injury and is a perfect fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense.
Carter can’t do it alone out of the backfield, though. Ty Johnson looked like he was going to be a sufficient No. 2, but he struggled in 2021 and was at times a healthy scratch. Tevin Coleman was decent as a complementary back, but the Jets could use a bit more explosiveness when Carter’s not on the field.
Here are seven free agent running backs who could fit what New York is looking for. Keep in mind that Douglas likely won’t break the bank at the position. These are the running backs who could come in and work as Carter’s right-hand man at the right price.
Cordarrelle Patterson
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Patterson did everything for the Falcons in 2021. He was the No. 1 option out of their backfield by the end of the season, split out wide often and returned kicks. He was even listed on the depth chart as a reserve safety. The Jets are one of the few teams who can maximize Patterson’s versatility with the way LaFleur runs his offense. Patterson is coming off a big season, but the soon-to-be 31-year-old likely won’t cost a whole lot. If the Jets can’t re-sign Braxton Berrios, Patterson could be their next utility man.
Will Jets sign Cordarrelle Patterson? – Powered By PickUp James Conner
Syndication: Arizona Republic
Conner is one of the best short-yardage backs in the NFL, which is exactly what the Jets need with Carter being a finesse runner. The Pittsburgh product rushed for 752 yards and 15 touchdowns with the Cardinals in 2021 and can realistically play on all three downs. He’s still best served as part of a rotation, though, and could land on the Jets’ radar.
Sony Michel
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Michel found himself again with the Rams after falling out of favor with the Patriots. The 27-year-old played a key role in helping Los Angeles win a Super Bowl, rushing for 845 yards and four touchdowns. Michel might not necessarily be someone the Jets should target in free agency, but he could wind up on their radar given his work as an early-down back.
Darrel Williams
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Williams took advantage of injuries in the Chiefs backfield to rush for a career-high 558 yards and six touchdowns in 2021. He likely won’t land big money given a sample size of just seven career starts and could be the ideal complement to Carter given that he is now coming into his own.
Rashaad Penny
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Penny stepped up for the Seahawks when Chris Carson went down with a season-ending injury, rushing for 749 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games (six starts). Seattle will likely want to keep Penny, but he will have plenty of interest on the open market — even if teams aren’t willing to shell out a lot for him given his first three seasons weren’t anything special.
Jeff Wilson Jr.
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Wilson Jr. is a natural fit with the Jets given his familiarity with LaFleur’s offense and comfort level working as a No. 2 option. The 26-year-old returned from an injury midway through 2021 to rush for 294 yards and two touchdowns in nine games in place of an injured Elijah Mitchell. Wilson Jr.’s production wasn’t overwhelmingly good, but he has shown he can handle a full workload in the event of an injury.
Ronald Jones II
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jones II took a back seat to Leonard Fournette — who would be on this list if he wasn’t all but certain to sign with a team looking for a starting running back — in 2021 and rushed for just 428 yards and four touchdowns. The USC product nearly rushed for 1,000 yards in 2020 and will likely be looking to rebuild his value on a short-term deal. That could land him with the Jets, although Carter’s presence atop the depth chart might be a deterrent.
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