Veteran running backs coming off serious injuries usually get released, even if they have a big name. That's why the release of Willis McGahee by the Denver Broncos on Thursday was not a shock.
But unlike most veteran backs, we believe McGahee should find work before the season. Here are some logical landing spots:
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Dallas Cowboys: Owner Jerry Jones made it an offseason priority to upgrade the team's backup running back, and then he never made an upgrade. The team already is dealing with multiple injuries at the position, including rookie backup Joseph Randle. McGahee to Dallas is easy to imagine.
New York Giants: The Giants are one of the rare teams that value the power running game and don't mind veteran backs. McGahee has three-down skills not dissimilar to former Giant Ahmad Bradshaw, and the depth chart is thin after David Wilson.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: It is a steep cliff after Doug Martin to Brian Leonard on the team's running back depth chart.
Oakland Raiders: The team needs running back depth, and McGahee was with Raiders coach Dennis Allen in Denver.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The depth chart is wildly thin after Maurice Jones-Drew, and the team showed they are in the market for a veteran back when they kicked the tires on Beanie Wells.
Miami Dolphins: McGahee certainly would love to sign with his hometown team. The Dolphins have not been shy about bringing in veterans this year, but a union here is unlikely unless Miami is truly ready to give up on Daniel Thomas, even as a backup to Lamar Miller.
San Diego Chargers: McGahee's former Broncos coordinator Mike McCoy is there. But it's a long shot because the Chargers already have veteran backups in Danny Woodhead and Ronnie Brown.
Top of the market
It's not easy for veteran running backs to find jobs, but McGahee's three-down skills and toughness should help him land a gig even coming off an injury. I'd place McGahee at the top of a market that also includes Wells, Michael Turner, Cedric Benson, Tim Hightower and Brandon Jacobs.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
