This year's free agent class for running backs is quite deep, and with a limited amount of talent in this year's NFL draft class, it looks like there will be high demand for some of the available names.
DeMarco Murray, C.J. Spiller and Ryan Mathews are perhaps the top names at the running back position that may be available on March 10. Each of their incumbent teams may not have the money to afford them or could be moving on with different plans in mind. What are the top destinations for these three backs?
3. Ryan Mathews
Mathews entered his contract year with high hopes following a 2013 season where he rushed for 1,255 yards and seven total touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. However, a knee injury derailed his 2014 campaign and he appeared in only six games and rushed for 330 yards and three touchdowns. This is almost guaranteed to lower his value on the market, which is why the Chargers have a good chance at keeping him.
However, Mel Kiper has San Diego selecting running back Melvin Gordon with the 17th overall pick in the upcoming draft. Gordon just impressed scouts at the NFL Combine after reportedly running a 4.52 40-yard dash and showing his skills in pass catching drills. And with Branden Oliver showing his worth last season, it's likely the Chargers move on from Mathews if another team offers him a contract they don't wish to match.
Mathews' most likely destination: Baltimore Ravens
Ravens' starting running back Justin Forsett is garnering interest on the market and the team recently told defensive tackle Haloti Ngata he'll need to take a pay cut if he wants to remain in Baltimore. If they make enough cap space they could land Mathews.
2. C.J. Spiller
Similar to Mathews, Spiller entered his contract year and played in only nine games after he broke his collarbone. On top of that, he was having an awful season before the injury and rushed for only 300 yards on 78 carries and one receiving touchdown. Buffalo Bills general manager Doug Whaley said he hopes to get a deal done with Spiller and head coach Rex Ryan wants him back with the team, but the five-year back recently said he and the New York Jets would be a 'perfect match.'
The Jets have running backs Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell hitting free agency, and with former Bills' head coach joining the Jets' coaching staff as offensive coordinator, such a destination is realistic for Spiller. New York is also more desperate for a running back, while the Bills have Fred Jackson, Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown in their backfield. Spiller is likely not atop their list of needs.
Spiller's most likely destination: New York Jets
1. DeMarco Murray
The Cowboys have $120 million committed to 2015 and they have a number of players hitting free agency, including Murray and Dez Bryant. It's likely the team will use the franchise tag on Bryant because they want to keep him long-term and may not be able to work out a deal before March 2, but Murray is a different story. The Cowboys may not be willing to offer a lucrative long-term deal to a back who is coming off a 449-touch season and also suffered a broken bone in his hand. Last season was also the first time Murray appeared in all 16 games.
Adrian Peterson recently expressed interest in joining the Cowboys, so that could be something Dallas may pursue if they can swing a deal in their favor. Additionally, the Colts, Falcons and Patriots are in need of a premiere back to lead their running game. Indianapolis has sufficient room in their salary cap to add Murray and the Patriots would be possible since Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley are scheduled to hit the market.
Murray's most likely destination: Indianapolis Colts
With free agency beginning on March 10, these three backs could have new teams in the near future.
