The New York Giants ranked just 23rd in the NFL last year in rushing yards per game (100.2). Some of that had to do with an up-and-down offensive line and some of that had to do with the ineffectiveness of Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams.
Back in 2012, the New York Giants thought they were solving their running back problem for years to come when they invested a first-round pick into David Wilson. Unfortunately, a neck injury forced Wilson to retire and the G-Men are still looking for a consistent running game.
"Neither Rashad Jennings nor Andrew Williams offered any big-play potential last season, and the New York offense was in the bottom five in both second-level yards and open-field yards," Vince Verhei of Football Outsiders wrote. "Giants running backs caught only 62 percent of passes thrown their way, the lowest rate in the league."
As a result, the Giants appear to be looking at the free agent market to help at the RB position.
"The Giants are currently looking at running backs with pass-catching ability during the three-day negotiating window, multiple people with knowledge of the running back market told NJ Advance Media," Jordan Raanan wrote. The individuals requested anonymity because teams can not officially sign players until Tuesday.
"Among those they have inquired about are Redskins running back Roy Helu and the Falcons' Antone Smith."
One additional name that could be thrown in there is C.J. Spiller. The Buffalo Bills told Spiller he will not be re-signed after the team went out and traded for LeSean McCoy. The Giants have always wanted a speed back with big-play ability. The team wants a ball carrier that can catch passes and do damage in the open field. Despite Spiller's down season in 2014, he still remains an attractive option to fill that void.
Spiller has always been a fragile back, missing eight games over the last two seasons. But last season's downturn can be attributed to injuries and poor offensive line play. Overall, Spiller has little wear-and-tear on him for a 27-year-old back. He could be the necessary injection of life this Giants offense is missing given better health and more talent around him.
