Old Running Backs, New Homes

This offseason was busy as several teams looked to rebuild or – in some cases – bolster their respective backfields. A few big names changed teams while a few unheralded ball-carriers made intriguing moves to new situations.

Derrick Ward signs in Tampa Bay

For the last few seasons, Ward made up one half of the New York Giants’ two-headed running monster with Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs was the bruiser while Ward provided the scat-back speed; as a result, Ward racked up 1627 rushing yards over the last two seasons despite only carrying the ball 307 times (a solid 5.3 yards-per-carry average). In Tampa, Ward will likely assume the primary RB duties. Warrick Dunn has been released and incumbents Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams have been plagued by injury and inconsistency. Ward could be in for the biggest season of his career, assuming he doesn’t wilt under the pressure of being No. 1 in the backfield.

Cedric Benson re-signs in Cincinnati

For all that went wrong for the Bengals in 2008 – the 4-11 record, the string of personnel problems, etc. – Cincinnati got a real steal by picking Benson up in late September. The former Texas standout (and Chicago Bears bust draft pick) went on to carry the ball 214 times for 747 yards in just 12 games and showed flashes of why he was selected fourth overall in 2005. With longtime back Rudi Johnson out of the picture and likes of Kenny Watson, DeDe Dorsey and Brian Leonard posing no real threat for Cincy’s starting job, Benson signed a two-year, $7 million deal to stay in the ‘Natti. He should be the clear-cut No. 1 this year, although some doubt remains if he’s really put his game together or if last year was merely a fluke.

Fred Taylor signs in New England

After being unceremoniously released by Jacksonville this summer, Taylor quickly found work with the Patriots. Known for their affinity for veteran players, the Pats snagged Taylor in the hope he could add to their muddled backfield situation. At 33, Taylor is coming off the worst season of his career (143 carries, 556 yards) but hope remains the falloff was due to injury, not declining skills. Taylor has been a model of consistency throughout his career, posting seven 1000-plus rushing yard seasons while rarely losing the ball (just four fumbles since 2005).

Other Notables

Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan, Denver – Two veteran backs that will play in the committee approach favoured by the Broncos. Buckhalter looks like the prototypical third-down receiving back, while Jordan should get a fair share of goal-line carries.

Dominic Rhodes, Buffalo – With Marshawn Lynch facing a three-game suspension to start the 2009 campaign, Rhodes could become a major figure in the Bills backfield. He’ll likely split time with Fred Jackson, but the two will be auditioning to secure backup role when Lynch returns.