Last week, I looked at each running back situation in the AFC. Naturally, this week I will be looking at each situation in the NFC. Let's dive right into the thick of it:
Dallas Cowboys
Is there a Feature Back? DeMarco Murray had a good, not great season. His numbers were bloated by stockpiling yardage against some very poor defenses. Murray's primary concern is his durability. The Cowboys coaching staff didn't use him enough last season when he was healthy, but part of that could be because of his inability to stay healthy for 16 games each season. Murray will be 26 for next season. He should be entering the prime of his career and he has the talent to be one of the best backs in the NFL. In 2013, he had 217 carries for 1,121 yards and nine touchdowns. It's likely that his offensive line will continue to improve and Tony Romo should still be good enough to prevent defenses from focusing in on him.
Who is the Primary Backup? This job appears to be Joseph Randle's for the taking. The fifth round pick from last year's draft had just 54 carries for 164 yards and two touchdowns. However, he showed off a lot of talent with his touches. Randle's ability to recognize cutback lanes and his decisiveness of when to attack stood out in particular. He appears to have the quickness and speed to take advantage of small spaces also, with the aggressive approach that typically works well on the professional level. Randle will need to fight off Lance Dunbar and Philip Tanner.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: Tanner is a restricted free agent so he's not guaranteed to return, but Murray, Randle and Dunbar are all under contract and still young. Unless they have already decided to move on from Murray, whose contract is up in 2015, they won't be adding anyone notable this offseason.
New York Giants
Is there a Feature Back? There is certainly uncertainty for the Giants running backs entering 2014. David Wilson fell off a cliff early in the year before landing on IR. Andre Brown came back to the field after an injury that took away his beginning to the year, but durability is his biggest concern. It's dangerous to make any kind of guarantees with any of the backs currently on the Giants' roster because each situation is so sensitive. It's unlikely that Brown is ever seen as a feature back, while Wilson has the talent but no track record. Peyton Hillis certainly won't be a feature back, while the odds are firmly stacked against Michael Cox and Da'Rell Scott. If there is a feature back in New York next season, he will most likely arrive during the offseason.
Who is the Primary Backup? Andre Brown should at worst be a backup for the Giants next season. He has the talent to be a difference-maker on limited snaps. David Wilson should also be a candidate to be a third-down back if he is healthy. Both backs could be contributors on a committee approach.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: Although they invested a high pick in Wilson, it's time for them to move on. A free agent such as Toby Gerhart could fit Tom Coughlin's preferred style, but there will also be many opportunities to add to the position during the draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
Is there a Feature Back? Stupid question. It's LeSean McCoy. McCoy will enter next season as the starter, but it should be noted that he had an incredible 391 carries last season. For a back with a slender frame, that can't be understated. If McCoy suffers a similar fate that Arian Foster suffered in 2013, then Chris Polk or Bryce Brown could be in line to become a bigger part of Chip Kelly's offense.
Who is the Primary Backup? Bryce Brown was the backup in 2013, but I suspect Chris Polk may take his spot on the depth chart in 2014. Polk has the athleticism to take advantage of the space that the Eagles offense will give him, but he is also a more decisive runner. Regardless of who wins that spot, only an injury to McCoy will lessen his workload.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: Because of his overwhelming focus on the offensive side of the ball, it will be interesting to see how the Philadelphia Eagles approach their second offseason under Chip Kelly. There is more than enough talent at the running back position already on the Eagles' roster, but it's possible that Kelly will see value in the draft or free agency and bring in even more weapons that fit his offense.
Washington
Is there a Feature Back? Jay Gruden is the new head coach in Washington, but that shouldn't mean that Mike Shanahan's prefferred back, Alfred Morris, is going to abandon ship. Gruden is a flexible coach who will likely adapt to the personnel available to him. I wouldn't expect the offense to dramatically change in Washington, so Morris should remain as a focal point of the offense. Even if the franchise does change its approach, Morris should still prove valuable enough to be a starter. He is very talented regardless of where he was drafted and the system he has played in to this point.
Who is the Primary Backup? Roy Helu has one year remaining on his contract. He played sparingly last season, but proved to be valuable as a runner and a receiver. He clearly has enough talent to be a starter in this league, so there is little reason to question if he can continue on as Morris' primary backup and the team's option on third down.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: This doesn't seem likely. At least, in terms of bringing in a new starter. It largely depends on what direction Gruden wants to take his offense in. 2013 draft picks Chris Thompson and Jawan Jamison and 2012 draft pick Evan Royster will all need to be evaluated by the new staff before any notable investment is made on an outside option.
Chicago Bears
Is there a Feature Back? He's coming off what may have been the most impressive season of his career, but it's tough not to worry about Matt Forte moving into next season. Forte has nearly 1,900 touches for his career so far and he will turn 29 during next season. He has been a feature back in Chicago since he was drafted back in 2008. Under new head coach Marc Trestman, he excelled, but Trestman is also a smart enough coach to understand that he can't overwork one player at that position. Last season he had no other options really, because Michael Bush is a limited player, but this offseason he could look to bring in someone who could split touches with Forte.
Who is the Primary Backup? Unless he loses a significant amount of weight, Michael Bush will likely plummet down the Bears' depth chart next season and I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't make the roster out of training camp. In fact, considering his salary and the lack of guaranteed money remaining on his deal, he should be cut before training camp even begins. Bush never really fit the philosophy under Trestman, but he's also just not very effective anymore.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: Michael Ford is the only other name currently on the depth chart after Bush, so it seems safe to suggest that the Bears will be bringing in another running back before the 2014 season.
Detroit Lions
Is there a Feature Back? Reggie Bush is the perfect fit in the offense and he proved to be a really important player for the Lions in 2013. It's very unlikely that they move on from him regardless of who takes over as head coach.
Who is the Primary Backup? Joique Bell has the ability to challenge Bush for playing time, but they spent a lot of time on the field together last season too. Bush's flexibility allows that. Bell's vision isn't as consistent as Bush's and he doesn't have the same athleticism. He is also a restricted free agent this offseason, but it's unlikely that he leaves.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: The Lions have a number of issues that need to be addressed, but running back is not one of them. Late round picks and undrafted free agents are the biggest investments they'll make.
Green Bay Packers
Is there a Feature Back? It's been a while, but there is a clear feature back in Green Bay. His name is Eddie Lacy and he's one of the best runners in the NFL. Could be one of the best backs in the game next season.
Who is the Primary Backup? James Starks is a free agent and he will likely get a better deal elsewhere. The Packers won't be too desperate to bring him back because of Jonathan Franklin and DuJuan Harris. Both Harris and Franklin ended the season on IR, but Harris was expected to be the starter before the season by some and Franklin was only drafted last season. Importantly, both Harris and Franklin complement Lacy's skill-set well. Harris is a tougher runner than Franklin, but an equally good receiver while Franklin has electrifying speed to take advantage of space.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: Very unlikely.
Minnesota Vikings
Is there a Feature Back? Is there a Feature Back? No, really.....Adrian Peterson.
Who is the Primary Backup? Toby Gerhart is a free agent and he should get better offers elsewhere. Matt Assiata played when Peterson and Gerhart were injured during the regular season, but he didn't play well. The Vikings won't want to go into next season with Assiata as their primary backup. Instead, they should invest in a backup similar to Gerhart who could be a third-down back and a primary ball-carrier if needed.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: They'll need someone, but they also can't afford to invest a high-pick or a big contract in a backup runner. They need to do too much work on the defensive side of the ball and figure out the quarterback position. They both take precedence.
Atlanta Falcons
Is there a Feature Back? In spite of his age, Steven Jackson actually played well when he was on the field and healthy last season. Still, the Falcons would be foolish to fully rely on him next season. Fortunately for them, they have Jacquizz Rodgers, who appeared to make strides last year, and the very reliable Jason Snelling. Jackson should remain the preferred back unless he loses a step or two, but the Falcons enter the offseason with the outline of a strong committee already on the roster.
Who is the Primary Backup? The Falcons won't have any real backup, instead they project to have a group similar to that of the New York Giants years ago when they had Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: It seems unlikely. The Falcons need to invest a lot in their offensive and defensive lines. No money or picks can be spared really.
Carolina Panthers
Is there a Feature Back? I'd like to suggest that Cam Newton is the feature back here, but if we have to choose an actual back then DeAngelo Williams should continue in his current role. Williams had a good season in 2013. He finished with a 4.2 average per carry on 201 attempts. The problem with Williams is that he is now 30 years old. That is ancient for a running back of his style, so chances are he won't even crack 200 carries next season. Instead, Mike Tolbert, who had 101 carries in 2013, should move closer to 150 carries with Williams joining him around that number.
Who is the Primary Backup? Tolbert and Williams will share the burden for at least another season while the Panthers build the rest of the offense around Cam Newton. Jonathan Stewart will be released, he has a $9 million option and his durability is a major concern. Instead, Kenjon Barner appears to carry the intrigue for the backup role in Carolina. Barner was a sixth round pick, but he has physical talent and if he develops well in the background, he could become a greater contributor in his second season.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: Another developmental prospect to go along with Barner seems almost definite, but the Panthers need to focus their bigger investments on other areas of their roster before looking to replace Williams.
New Orleans Saints
Is there a Feature Back? It may be a dark horse, but the way Khiry Robinson finished the 2013 season suggested that he could be a major contributor for the Saints in 2014. Former first round pick Mark Ingram showed flashes of his ability last season also, but he didn't seize his opportunity at the end of the season the way Robinson did. Pierre Thomas should have one good season left in him as he is just 29 years of age and is under contract next season, but Darren Sproles may have played his last snap with the Saints. Sproles has one year left on his deal, but he is owed nearly $4 million.
Who is the Primary Backup? Mark Ingram should remain the primary backup to Thomas, while Robinson rotates in and out of the backfield on a regular basis. The Saints won't ever just revolve their offense around one ball carrier so long as Sean Payton is the head coach.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: Someone will need to replace Sproles if he is released. Robinson and Thomas can likely fill his role, but there will still be another spot on the depth chart. Sproles could be released and re-signed or accept a pay cut to replace himself also.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Is there a Feature Back? Before he was injured, Doug Martin didn't produce much for the Buccaneers. However, when you go back and watch him on the field it's clear that his performance wasn't the real issue. Martin simply didn't get the blocking and defenses played him very well when he lined up at running back in 2013. He should remain the starter moving forward. However, he may not be the feature back that the Buccaneers hoped he would be when they drafted him. It's unclear what Lovie Smith will do, he did have a feature back during his final years in Chicago, but he definitely has different options. Bobby Rainey is an electrifying runner with the resilience to carry a big load. Mike James had just 60 carries during his rookie seaosn, but he was very impressive and had a huge game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. Brian Leonard may be a proven veteran, but he also didn't waste snaps on the field in 2013 and shouldn't be disregarded.
Who is the Primary Backup? It could be anyone. This roster is loaded with four quality backs who all have the potential to be valuable contributors in different roles.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: Zilch.
Arizona Cardinals
Is there a Feature Back? Bruce Arians has always been a fan of Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall wasn't very productive in Arizona, but that was largely due to a bad offensive line and health issues. When he was fully healthy later in the season, he showed off an encouraging burst. However, he is not certain to return to Arizona because he only arrived last season on a one-year deal. It wouldn't be a surprise if Arians brought him back for one more season as insurance for Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington. Taylor and Ellington appear to be the future for the Cardinals, but Arians' familiarity with Mendenhall will make him more desirable than Alfonso Smith or Ryan Williams.
Who is the Primary Backup? Mendenhall could fill this role. It all depends on how much Stepfan Taylor develops during the offseason. Andre Ellington is unlikely to be a feature back in year two, but his role should continue to grow.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: There will be some activity, even if that's only the effort to bring back Mendenhall. Arians may be tempted to bring in a Toby Gerhart or Ben Tate as a veteran addition, but the salary cap and other needs may be an obstacle that he can't overcome.
St. Louis Rams
Is there a Feature Back? Zac Stacy solidified himself as the feature back in St. Louis during his rookie season. His numbers weren't overwhelming, but his displays often were. If the Rams can keep Sam Bradford healthy and allow their offense some time to grow together, Stacy could be one of the more productive backs in the NFL next season.
Who is the Primary Backup? Neither Isaiah Pead or Daryl Richardson ever seemed to really want the starting job, but both look to also be losing out to Benny Cunningham in the race to be the primary backup. Nothing is guaranteed for Cunningham either though, so chances are there will be a competition that needs to be won during training camp next season.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: The Rams don't have overwhelming quality or depth at the position, but they have enough young guys with potential to keep them looking at other areas of their roster.
San Francisco 49ers
Is there a Feature Back? At what point does Frank Gore slow down? He will be 31 before the start of next season, but realistically he has shown no signs of any aging in recent times. Gore could continue to be the 49ers' bell cow for the next two or three seasons. While there are quality players behind him, there aren't any who have consistently matched the play of Gore when given opportunities.
Who is the Primary Backup? Kendall Hunter has all the physical talent to be a star, but his vision in 2013 left a lot to be desired. LaMichael James dealt with injuries during his second season but was often sidelined when healthy too. James showed a lot of promise during the 2012 playoff run, but couldn't follow that up in 2013. Anthony Dixon was probably the 49ers' best back in 2013 surpassed Gore, but he spent a lot of time at fullback later in the year and he is a free agent. Marcus Lattimore had a huge amount of talent coming out of college, but it's still unclear if he will ever even play a snap in the NFL.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: This is a really tough situation to gauge. It all depends on how they view Gore. If, like me, they suspect he can go on for another two seasons, then they have no need to bring in anyone. If they are worried about him breaking down, they need to determine if they can rely on Hunter or James or if they want to move to a more pass-oriented attack. There appears to be enough talent between Hunter and James to tempt them into waiting another season at least.
Seattle Seahawks
Is there a Feature Back? We cannot forget about Marshawn Lynch's legal issues that were pushed back into this coming offseason. Those issues combined with the addition of Christine Michael have fans writing Lynch's 2014 season off already. However, the 2013 season has shown us just how effective a player Lynch is and just how important he is to the Seahawks offense. He will be 28 entering next season and he is owed roughly $5 million. With so many stars on the roster who will need new deals, the Seahawks may consider cutting Lynch loose and moving forward with Michael as their primary runner early.
Who is the Primary Backup? Robert Turbin is still relatively young, cheap and very reliable. He has the all-around ability that makes him a very valuable backup for the Seahawks even if he's not a special back. Christine Michael will be trying to take Turbin's spot on the depth chart before he attacks the starting spot, but Michael is the inverse of Turbin. He has all the physical talent and ability as a runner, but he needs to refine the technical aspects of his game to become an all-around player. 2013 sixth-round draft pick Spencer Ware is also on the roster, but he has a tough task to get above his teammates on the depth chart ahead of next season.
Chances of Bringing in a New Face: The Seahawks invested in Michael and Ware during last year's draft and Turbin is still very young. They have no reason to go searching for another back this offseason.
