Houston Texans running back Arian Foster hasn't played in a full 16-game schedule since 2012. Soon to be 30, the eight-year veteran is coming off a torn Achilles and has mashed his way through four seasons with at least 300 total touches. No one could blame Houston if they decided to part ways at this point, especially given the $6.6 million they could save on their 2016 salary cap by doing so. But who would replace Foster in the starting lineup?
Backups Alfred Blue and Chris Polk averaged just 3.7 yards per carry combined in Foster's absence. Neither is suited for starting duties. Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott has been mentioned as a possible first-round target, but that's a high price to pay for devalued position. If the Texans wanted to go with a proven veteran option, Lamar Miller and Alfred Morris should be on their free agent radar.
"Miller is the sexy pick, as a back who had great success in a limited role in his time in Miami," Bill Barnwell of ESPN.com wrote. "Morris is the more consistent back of the two, and he will probably come more cheaply, with less of a long-term commitment. The Texans might also consider grabbing a back in the draft, but a veteran to rotate in would make sense."
Morris, 27, lost playing time to third-round rookie Matt Jones this past season and set career lows in carries (202), rushing yards (751), yards per carry (3.7) and rushing touchdowns (1). However, he is familiar and comfortable with the zone blocking scheme.
Miller, 24, carried the ball 194 times for 872 yards (4.5) and eight touchdowns while also catching 47 passes for 397 yards and two additional scores. Miami has been criticized for underutilizing Miller over the past four seasons, with 2014 being his most active year with just 216 carries.
