NFL running backs won't be pulling down the big contracts to match top wide receivers like Mike Wallace and Percy Harvin. In fact, not one running back signed last Tuesday, the first day of free agency.
The top backs are receiving interest from multiple teams, however, and some found new homes on Wednesday. Let's break down the deals, visits and reported interest at the position. We'll update all the latest news with the running backs here throughout free agency.
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Steven Jackson: It turns out the Green Bay Packers were justified in the belief that Jackson was using their interest as leverage for a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The three-time Pro Bowl running back signed a three-year contract with the Falcons on Thursday.
Jackson reportedly will pull down $12 million, including $4 million in guarantees. In other words, the Titans will pay Shonn Greene more in guarantees ($4.5 million) to be Chris Johnson's short-yardage caddy than the Falcons will pay Jackson to be Michael Turner's replacement.
Reggie Bush: Citing an opportunity to be used in similar fashion to his days with the New Orleans Saints, Bush signed a four-year contract with the Detroit Lions. He also was on the radar of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Redskins.
Rashard Mendenhall: Teaming up with former Pittsburgh Steelers coordinator Bruce Arians, Mendenhall agreed to a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. He will compete with Ryan Williams for the Cardinals' starting job while seeking to rehabilitate his value for another run at free agency in 2014. Mendenhall previously had visited the Denver Broncos and reportedly drew interest from the Falcons, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.
Shonn Greene:Chris Johnson has new company in the Tennessee Titans' backfield. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that Greene agreed to a three-year, $10 million deal with the Titans. Surprisingly, the contract includes nearly $5 million in guaranteed money.
Beanie Wells: After visiting the Bengals last Tuesday, Wells will explore other options, Yahoo! Sports reported. Currently without a starting running back, the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to pass on Wells after Friday's visit. A league source tells the Post-Gazette that Beanie has a "bad wheel."
Mike Goodson: Although injury-prone with ball-security issues, Goodson drew surprisingly strong interest early in free agency after averaging a gaudy 6.3 yards per on 43 carries last season. Darren McFadden's 2012 backup has now agreed to a three-year, $6.9 million contract as Shonn Greene's replacement on the New York Jets.
Goodson previously had visited the Bengals and was on the Dallas Cowboys' radar as well.
Peyton Hillis: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Hillis will visit the Packers.
Felix Jones:Tenuously connected to the Bengals.
Ahmad Bradshaw:ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers have expressed interest in the former New York Giants' running back.
Michael Turner: Tumbleweeds.
Leon Washington: Not long after being chopped by the Seattle Seahawks, Washington landed on his feet with the New England Patriots to take over kick-return duties.
Justin Forsett: Forsett signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
