The New York Jets have nearly $50 million in salary cap space and a hole on the depth chart at running back. New York released Chris Johnson earlier this year and will need a serviceable backup for the oft-injured Chris Ivory. Throw in the fact that Percy Harvin is likely on his way out and this New York offense will be severely lacking in play makers.
As such, the team has been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller, who is set to hit the open market when free agency begins on March 10. Spiller played under new Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey while both were in Buffalo. In fact, the 27-year-old ball carrier enjoyed the most successful season of his career under Gailey when he rushed for 1,244 yards (6.0 yards-per-carry) and six touchdowns while catching 43 passes for 459 yards in 2012.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that a reunion between the two was close to a certainty. However, that may not be the case. ESPN Jets reporter Rich Cimini believes the team will opt to re-sign Bilal Powell in free agency.
Powell, 26, earned just $3.23 million in his rookie contract and after playing just 22 percent of the offensive snaps last year, will remain a cheaper and younger option.
"The Jets want to re-sign Powell, who would draw a fair amount of interest if he hits the open market," Cimini wrote. "...Powell's best football is ahead of him, and the Jets know it. They will make a sincere effort to keep him in the fold."
Spiller, meanwhile, has been linked to the Seattle Seahawks. Although Spiller struggled with injuries last season - he appeared in just nine games - and was ineffective when healthy, he has relatively little wear and tear for a back who has been in the NFL since 2010. Spiller has just 826 total touches for his career. It's possible that in the right situation he could regain that explosiveness that made him such a dangerous homerun threat.
