NFL Running Backs on New Teams for the 2018 Football Season
By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
The life of an NFL running back can be a fickle one. The window of opportunity can be short. Setbacks can put a career back years or snuff it out altogether. What's hot today might not be hot tomorrow. But a good back can still make all the difference and a lot of them were available this season. Teams are looking to perhaps revamp their run-game, fill in voids left by departing players, or maybe just plug in some nice complimentary pieces. Let's take a look at the NFL backs who will be on new teams in 2018, going alphabetically.
CJ Anderson (Carolina Panthers): Coming off his first 1000-yard season after a 4-year run with the Broncos, Anderson now joins a crowded Carolina backfield, where he looks to make an impact in the 2018 season.
Tavon Austin (Dallas Cowboys): In five years with the Rams, Austin's speed made him a threat on the ground, through the air, and on special teams. He now looks to become a valued member on the Cowboys in 2018.
Kenjon Barner (Carolina Panthers): The Carolina running back situation is a crowded one. The former Eagles back will need to do something special to crack the rotation. Barner started with the Panthers, before playing four seasons with the Eagles.
LeGarrette Blount (Detroit Lions): While he might be getting long in the tooth for a back at 30, he should have a chance to help revive a long-dormant Lions' running game in 2018. Still a handful and an experienced postseason presence should the Lions make it this season.
Derrick Coleman (Arizona Cardinals): The fullback in his 6th season looks to catch on with his third team in the Arizona Cardinals.
Isaiah Crowell (New York Jets): After four productive seasons as Cleveland's top back, Crowell now looks to give some juice to a Jets' offense in need of a major production influx. Crowell, 25, should have a chance to shine.
DEPOSIT $100 AND GET $50 FREE AT ONE OF THE WEB'S OLDEST SPORTSBOOKS: BOVADA SPORTSBOOK
Frank Gore (Miami Dolphins): At 35 and with 14000 yards of running on his legs, the 35-year old Gore has remained pretty steady in his later years, still capable of making things happen with his aging, but still lively legs.
Jeremy Hill (New England Patriots): With 1124 yards in his rookie season in 2014, he never quite came around, with injuries and a crowded backfield seeing a tail-off in production. Hill should have a chance to be a key member of the Patriots' offense.
Elijah Hood (Carolina Panthers): It will take a special effort for the second-year former Tar Heels back to make an impact in a crowded Panthers' backfield.
Carlos Hyde (Cleveland Browns): When healthy, Hyde has quietly produced for the 49ers over the last four seasons. He should fit in well with a revamped Browns' backfield that also now includes rookie Nick Chubb.
Chris Ivory (Buffalo Bills): In eight seasons, Ivory has been productive to varying degrees, last season being a low-water point for the veteran back. Ivory now looks to latch on in Buffalo backing up LeSean McCoy.
Matt Jones (Philadelphia Eagles): After two seasons with decent productivity with the Redskins, Jones languished last season with Indy, hoping for a rebirth in Philly in 2018.
Dion Lewis (Tennessee Titans): Coming off his best season in New England in 2018, Lewis looks to become a valued member of the Titans' offense, which also features rising back Derrick Henry.
Doug Martin (Oakland Raiders): Twice a 1400-yard rusher with the Buccaneers, Martin is coming off two subpar seasons. Backing up Marshawn Lynch in Oakland, perhaps he can breathe some life into his sagging brand.
Jerick McKinnon (San Francisco 49ers): Somewhat quietly, McKinnon developed into a useful weapon on the Vikings' offense over the last few seasons. Without much existing pop in the 49ers' backfield, McKinnon could have a chance to shine in 2018 and beyond.
Jamize Olawale (Dallas Cowboys): After 6 seasons with Oakland, the big blocking back looks to lend his services to the Cowboys.
Thomas Rawls (New York Jets): Injuries have derailed what seemed to be an emerging talent in Rawls, 25, who looked like he might be up for the role of heir-apparent in replacing Lynch in Seattle. He now gets a fresh start with the Jets, where he hopes to stay healthy and contribute.
Jonathan Stewart (New York Giants): It might not seem like it, but Stewart was on the Panthers for ten seasons. At 31, he looks to serve as a nice insurance policy for Saquon Barkley in New York, while looking to make some key contributions, as well.
Terrance West (New Orleans Saints): West has shown he can contribute at this level, but was injured much of last season on the Ravens. He could have trouble getting touches in New Orleans with Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram already in the backfield, though Ingram will miss the first four games.
Damien Williams (Kansas City Chiefs): In the limited time he got in four seasons with Miami, he has shown himself to be a useful runner/ball-catcher. He now looks to break through with the Chiefs.
Kerwynn Williams (Kansas City Chiefs): Williams didn't really shine when forced into six starts with the Cardinals last season and now looks to catch on with the Chiefs. Bet a game for FREE by taking advantage of a massive 100% sign-up bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $500 at GTBets!
