Pat Kirwan's best available running backs

There are some very good running backs in free agency and a few more could hit the market as cap casualties. While most teams will be looking to add veterans as complementary backs, like the Chiefs (Thomas Jones) and Jets (LaDainian Tomlinson) did last year, there will also be some starting-caliber talent available. Here's a look at my top five running backs expected to be available along with a few other potential options.

After being limited to six games last year because of injury, Williams should be fresh and ready to go. The 28-year-old back has great numbers: 2,993 rushing yards, 62 receptions for 434 yards and 28 total touchdowns in his past 35 games. He should be good for about 100 yards of offense a game for whichever team (Denver? Miami?) signs him.

1 / 6

1. DeAngelo Williams

After being limited to six games last year because of injury, Williams should be fresh and ready to go. The 28-year-old back has great numbers: 2,993 rushing yards, 62 receptions for 434 yards and 28 total touchdowns in his past 35 games. He should be good for about 100 yards of offense a game for whichever team (Denver? Miami?) signs him.

Nell Redmond/Associated Press

A rising star, 2010 was his first real year as a starter. Bradshaw rushed for 1,235 yards (4.5 per carry), caught 47 passes for 314 yards and had eight touchdowns. The 25-year-old back is young enough to play out a full five-year contract. A return to the Giants is a possibility.

2 / 6

2. Ahmad Bradshaw

A rising star, 2010 was his first real year as a starter. Bradshaw rushed for 1,235 yards (4.5 per carry), caught 47 passes for 314 yards and had eight touchdowns. The 25-year-old back is young enough to play out a full five-year contract. A return to the Giants is a possibility.

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

Surprised at how high Snelling is? Too many NFL people have brought his name up to me in the past few months. Some see the next Michael Turner, a powerful athlete who can run, block and catch. He had limited opportunities in Atlanta but still delivered 1,042 yards on 257 carries and has 74 receptions over the past two seasons. He would be a perfect complement to Steven Jackson in St. Louis.

3 / 6

3. Jason Snelling

Surprised at how high Snelling is? Too many NFL people have brought his name up to me in the past few months. Some see the next Michael Turner, a powerful athlete who can run, block and catch. He had limited opportunities in Atlanta but still delivered 1,042 yards on 257 carries and has 74 receptions over the past two seasons. He would be a perfect complement to Steven Jackson in St. Louis.

John Bazemore/Associated Press

The little big man is a specialty player who can spark an offense. He's good for about 12 touches a game between rushes, receptions, punt returns and kick returns. The Rams and Chargers are possibilities.

4 / 6

4. Darren Sproles

The little big man is a specialty player who can spark an offense. He's good for about 12 touches a game between rushes, receptions, punt returns and kick returns. The Rams and Chargers are possibilities.

Greg Trott/Associated Press

I considered Cedric Benson and Joseph Addai for the fifth spot, but Benson's off-the-field issues knocked him out and Addai's health made him a question mark. Williams also has his own health issues, but coaches love his leadership in the locker room. He had a career-high 46 receptions in 2010 and he has emerged as a solid third-down back.

5 / 6

5. Cadillac Williams

I considered Cedric Benson and Joseph Addai for the fifth spot, but Benson's off-the-field issues knocked him out and Addai's health made him a question mark. Williams also has his own health issues, but coaches love his leadership in the locker room. He had a career-high 46 receptions in 2010 and he has emerged as a solid third-down back.

Margaret Bowles/Associated Press

This group could enhance the running-back market. Teams have studied Reggie Bush, Marion Barber, Willis McGahee and Ryan Grant in case they come free during the preseason.

6 / 6

6. Potential salary-cap casualties

This group could enhance the running-back market. Teams have studied Reggie Bush, Marion Barber, Willis McGahee and Ryan Grant in case they come free during the preseason.

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

Advertising

gallery

Super Bowl LIX - Style Guide & Décor

Take a look at the photographs that served as the artistic blueprint for Super Bowl LIX, and see how they were incorporated into the numerous event spaces throughout New Orleans.