With running back Chris Ivory likely out the door, here are five options the New York Jets have available as a replacement.
Running back Chris Ivory had a career year in 2015 for the New York Jets. He posted his first 1,000-yard season, as well as career-highs in touchdowns (7), and receptions (30). Ivory averaged over 100 yards rushing per game early, before nagging injuries slowed him down, but he still finished with 71.3 yards per game. With 247 carries, he proved the ability to be the “bell-cow” back that the Jets haven’t had since the days of Thomas Jones, and before that, Curtis Martin.
Related Story: Free Agency Predictions for All 32 Teams
However, despite hopes otherwise, it looks more and more like Ivory will be headed elsewhere for the 2016 season and beyond. Rich Cimini of ESPN believes that the Jets will be reluctant to spend that kind of money on a running back that may not have a ton of good years left.
With that, here are five potential replacements for the tough runner:
Lamar Miller (Miami Dolphins: Potential UFA)
The Dolphins would like to retain the services of Miller, but according to Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel, the two sides remain far apart. If that continues, and Miller is available when March 9th rolls around, the Jets should give Miller a hard look as an option to replace Ivory.
With eyes on durability, Miller has missed only one game over the last three seasons, and none in the last two. He is also explosive, averaging 4.5 yards per carry last year, after a whopping 5.1 average in 2014. He dropped off from 1,099 yards in 2014 to 872 yards last season, but he also carried the ball less times. Some of that can be attributed to playing from behind as the Dolphins did quite a bit in 2015.
Miller deserves a lot of attention from Mike Maccagnan and company if he remains unsigned on March 9th.
Alfred Morris (Washington Redskins: Potential UFA)
Rich Cimini of ESPN believes that Morris might just be part of the fallback plan if Ivory does defect to points elsewhere. Morris runs with a similar, bruising type of style to that of Ivory, so there would be no noticeable change in terms of style. Morris is also very durable, not missing a single game since he entered the league in 2012. Three of his first four seasons also resulted in 1,000 yards or more, and he has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice.
Morris did drop off to 751 yards in 2015, and he lost carries to Matt Jones and Chris Thompson. This likely will cause Alfred to be motivated to show the Redskins what he has left. At only age 27, he has plenty of years left to be productive. He has averaged over 73 yards per game over his entire career and a change of scenery might just be what the doctor ordered for Morris.
It could very well be to the Green and White.
James Starks (Green Bay Packers: Potential UFA)
As mentioned weeks ago, Green Bay Packers running back James Starks was a former starter now turned backup to Eddie Lacy. But he’s a guy that could take over as the lead back if needed. So far, his career best rushing season was 2015 when he posted 601 yards on 148 carries. He also posted a career-high of 43 receptions last year. He has also shown moments of great burst, average 5.1 yards per carry on 89 carries in 2013.
So, what makes us think that Starks could lead the way if needed?
When given the ball frequently, Starks gets the job done. They say that running backs get better as they carry the ball, and Starks is no different. In 2015, he posted 95 yards on 20 carries against the vaunted Seattle Seahawks’ defense. He also totaled 112 yards on 10 carries against the Chargers last season. In eight regular-season games where Starks carried the ball 15 times or more, he has rushed for less than 50 yards only twice.
One of his biggest performances came in the 2010 playoffs against the Eagles, when Starks ran it 23 times for 123 yards, helping his team to a 21-16 victory – a season in which the Packers wound up winning Super Bowl 50.
Starks is worth a hard look as he can be part of a committee but also take the lead if needed.
Ronnie Hillman (Denver Broncos: Potential UFA)
Here is a guy that has big game experience and would be a great asset in the Green and White. Ronnie Hillman is coming off of his best year in 2015, running the ball 207 times for 863 yards and seven touchdowns. He may be small, standing at only 5’9″, but he packs a punch as he started 11 games, leading the team ahead of the oft-injured C.J. Anderson.
Hillman is another player that when he gets the chance to carry the ball, he gets it done. Over the last two seasons, he’s posted six 100-yard rushing performances. He also has a fair amount of ability as a receiver, posting over 20 receptions in each of the last two seasons. He is versatile and explosive, which would be a welcome aspect to the offense.
Christine Michael (Seattle Seahawks: Potential RFA)
Here is a guy that hasn’t been discussed in relation to the Jets, but he should be. Christine Michael has spent most of his career in Seattle, with a brief cup of coffee in Dallas last season mixed in. Michael has spent most of his career as a secondary player to Marshawn Lynch, but has played well when given the chance. In 2014, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 34 carries, giving Lynch some needed rest.
When given the chance to start, he too has been able to get it done. In two starts in 2015, Michael rushed for 84 yards against the Browns, and 102 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. At only 25 years old, he is more than ready to get his chance to be go-to guy in an offensive backfield. A total of 104 carries in three years leaves Michael a lot of tread on the tires, and tread that is ready to run up and down MetLife Stadium.
It may take an offer that Seattle can’t refuse in order to get him, as he is slated to become restricted free agent. But it is an option the Jets should explore.
Running back Chris Ivory had a career year in 2015 for the New York Jets. He posted his first 1,000-yard season, as well as career-highs in touchdowns (7), and receptions (30). Ivory averaged over 100 yards rushing per game early, before nagging injuries slowed him down, but he still finished with 71.3 yards per game. With 247 carries, he proved the ability to be the “bell-cow” back that the Jets haven’t had since the days of Thomas Jones, and before that, Curtis Martin.
Related Story: Free Agency Predictions for All 32 Teams
However, despite hopes otherwise, it looks more and more like Ivory will be headed elsewhere for the 2016 season and beyond. Rich Cimini of ESPN believes that the Jets will be reluctant to spend that kind of money on a running back that may not have a ton of good years left.
With that, here are five potential replacements for the tough runner:
Lamar Miller (Miami Dolphins: Potential UFA)
The Dolphins would like to retain the services of Miller, but according to Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel, the two sides remain far apart. If that continues, and Miller is available when March 9th rolls around, the Jets should give Miller a hard look as an option to replace Ivory.
With eyes on durability, Miller has missed only one game over the last three seasons, and none in the last two. He is also explosive, averaging 4.5 yards per carry last year, after a whopping 5.1 average in 2014. He dropped off from 1,099 yards in 2014 to 872 yards last season, but he also carried the ball less times. Some of that can be attributed to playing from behind as the Dolphins did quite a bit in 2015.
Miller deserves a lot of attention from Mike Maccagnan and company if he remains unsigned on March 9th.
Alfred Morris (Washington Redskins: Potential UFA)
Rich Cimini of ESPN believes that Morris might just be part of the fallback plan if Ivory does defect to points elsewhere. Morris runs with a similar, bruising type of style to that of Ivory, so there would be no noticeable change in terms of style. Morris is also very durable, not missing a single game since he entered the league in 2012. Three of his first four seasons also resulted in 1,000 yards or more, and he has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice.
Morris did drop off to 751 yards in 2015, and he lost carries to Matt Jones and Chris Thompson. This likely will cause Alfred to be motivated to show the Redskins what he has left. At only age 27, he has plenty of years left to be productive. He has averaged over 73 yards per game over his entire career and a change of scenery might just be what the doctor ordered for Morris.
It could very well be to the Green and White.
James Starks (Green Bay Packers: Potential UFA)
As mentioned weeks ago, Green Bay Packers running back James Starks was a former starter now turned backup to Eddie Lacy. But he’s a guy that could take over as the lead back if needed. So far, his career best rushing season was 2015 when he posted 601 yards on 148 carries. He also posted a career-high of 43 receptions last year. He has also shown moments of great burst, average 5.1 yards per carry on 89 carries in 2013.
So, what makes us think that Starks could lead the way if needed?
When given the ball frequently, Starks gets the job done. They say that running backs get better as they carry the ball, and Starks is no different. In 2015, he posted 95 yards on 20 carries against the vaunted Seattle Seahawks’ defense. He also totaled 112 yards on 10 carries against the Chargers last season. In eight regular-season games where Starks carried the ball 15 times or more, he has rushed for less than 50 yards only twice.
One of his biggest performances came in the 2010 playoffs against the Eagles, when Starks ran it 23 times for 123 yards, helping his team to a 21-16 victory – a season in which the Packers wound up winning Super Bowl 50.
Starks is worth a hard look as he can be part of a committee but also take the lead if needed.
Ronnie Hillman (Denver Broncos: Potential UFA)
Here is a guy that has big game experience and would be a great asset in the Green and White. Ronnie Hillman is coming off of his best year in 2015, running the ball 207 times for 863 yards and seven touchdowns. He may be small, standing at only 5’9″, but he packs a punch as he started 11 games, leading the team ahead of the oft-injured C.J. Anderson.
Hillman is another player that when he gets the chance to carry the ball, he gets it done. Over the last two seasons, he’s posted six 100-yard rushing performances. He also has a fair amount of ability as a receiver, posting over 20 receptions in each of the last two seasons. He is versatile and explosive, which would be a welcome aspect to the offense.
Christine Michael (Seattle Seahawks: Potential RFA)
Here is a guy that hasn’t been discussed in relation to the Jets, but he should be. Christine Michael has spent most of his career in Seattle, with a brief cup of coffee in Dallas last season mixed in. Michael has spent most of his career as a secondary player to Marshawn Lynch, but has played well when given the chance. In 2014, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 34 carries, giving Lynch some needed rest.
When given the chance to start, he too has been able to get it done. In two starts in 2015, Michael rushed for 84 yards against the Browns, and 102 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. At only 25 years old, he is more than ready to get his chance to be go-to guy in an offensive backfield. A total of 104 carries in three years leaves Michael a lot of tread on the tires, and tread that is ready to run up and down MetLife Stadium.
It may take an offer that Seattle can’t refuse in order to get him, as he is slated to become restricted free agent. But it is an option the Jets should explore.
