Despite the poor numbers this season, the Washington Redskins have to be thrilled with what running back Alfred Morris has given them over the last few years. An unheralded sixth-round pick in 2012, Morris beat out veteran Tim Hightower as a rookie and took full advantage of the space created by the zone read option with Robert Griffin III. He finished his first year in the league second in rushing with 1,613 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns.
From 2012-14, Morris rushed for 3,962 yards and 28 touchdowns on a 4.5 YPC average. He's been a consistently high character guy for Washington who has produced well despite the limitations around him. Unfortunately, his tenure as a Redskin is likely coming to an end. ESPN's John Keim believes the team will let Morris walk in free agency this offseason.
"Alfred Morris will play the last four games of his Redskins' career in the next four weeks," Keim wrote in ESPN's Late Season Predictions list. "Morris is a pending free agent after the season and has rushed for only 494 yards at 3.5 per carry - both are career lows, by far. Morris didn't even play in the second half of Monday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Redskins like his work ethic and character, but they need a more all-around back and do like rookie Matt Jones."
Jones, the team's third-round pick this year, has shown flashes of dynamic playmaking ability but has been too inconsistent. Overall, he has rushed for 400 yards and three touchdowns on a 3.4 YPC and caught 18 passes for 272 yards and an additional score. With a bit more patience and better blocking up front (Washington's interior offensive line leaves a lot to be desired), Jones could develop into a three down back.
The Redskins coaching staff realizes this, which is why they won't shell out a big contract for Morris. Despite doing all the right things since entering the league, Morris may be playing for a new team next season.
