The Falcons aren’t in the market for any of this year’s top free agents, meaning Titans star running back Derrick Henry is out of the question. While the NFL draft is a better option to find a cost effective back, the team will explore every avenue in upgrading its roster.
After previewing some possible targets for Atlanta at wide receiver, cornerback and EDGE, here are seven running backs for the team to consider in free agency.
Matt Breida
2019 Stats: 123 rushes, 623 yards, 1 TD; 19 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD
Analysis: The 49ers ran their way to a Super Bowl behind three productive running backs. Matt Breida, 25, rushed for 5.1 yards per carry and racked up 743 all-purpose yards for head coach Kyle Shanahan. Breida is a good all-around runner, showing a nice mix of vision and power. He looks like a potential sleeper, but you have to wonder how much teams will be willing to pay the free-agent RB without yet proving he can be a lead back. If you were wondering about Breida’s speed, though, watch him take it to another level in this 83-yard touchdown run below.
Jordan Howard
2019 Stats: 119 rushes, 525 yards, 5 TDs; 10 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD
Analysis: Howard is someone that won’t break that bank, but totaled over 600 yards and six touchdowns last season with the Eagles. Prior to that, Howard stood out during his time in Chicago, rushing for over 3,300 total yards in three seasons. He’s not an outstanding pass-catcher, but he’s a patient, powerful runner. If Howard can stay healthy, he’d be a decent option for a cash-strapped Atlanta team.
DeAndre Washington
2019 Stats: 108 rushes, 387 yards, 3 TDs; 38 catches, 292 yards
Analysis: Washington is a tough runner that isn’t really suited for a lead back role. However, he can be a valuable secondary option that catches the ball well (38 catches for 292 receiving yards in 2019). The Raiders found their back of the future in first-round pick Josh Jacobs. Washington could be an affordable stop-gap option for Atlanta if the team releases starter Devonta Freeman.
Jonathan Williams
2019 Stats: 49 rushes, 235 yards, 1 TD; 5 catches, 59 yards
Analysis: Jonathan Williams did a nice job backing up Marlon Mack for the Colts in 2019 — his third year in the league. Prior to last season, he wasn’t even on the radar as a former fifth-round pick from the 2016 draft. Williams, 26, averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per carry last year and is a low-risk, high-reward type of free agent. He’s a No. 2 option with upside to possibly become a feature back if he can improve as a pass-catcher. Check out the display of power he shows on this touchdown run below:
Chris Thompson
2019 Stats: 37 rushes, 138 yards; 42 catches, 378 yards
Analysis: Thompson in another option that won’t cost Atlanta much, but could help as a rotational back. Some know him as the fantasy sleeper that never lived up to the hype, but that was mostly due to injuries. Last season, he offered little as a runner, but caught 42 balls for the Redskins in 11 games. For his career, however, Thompson has averaged 4.8 yards per carry. If he’s fully healthy, he’s worth a look as a second or third RB.
Theo Riddick
2019 Stats: N/A (injury)
Analysis: Riddick is the ultimate bargain bin option in free agency. His stock is especially low after missing the 2019 season with the Broncos due to a shoulder injury. Prior to that, Riddick was known as one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL with the Lions, averaging 56 receptions per year over his last five seasons in Detroit. He doesn’t bring much as a runner (3.6 career yards per carry average), but as a third down back, Riddick is well-suited to catch screen passes in Dirk Koetter’s offense.
LeSean McCoy
2019 Stats: 101 rushes, 465 yards, 4 TDs; 28 catches, 181 yards, 1 TD
Analysis: McCoy is still a productive NFL player, just not the top five running back he used to be. Andy Reid found a way to utilize him for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, as McCoy finished with over 600 all-purpose yards and 28 catches in 2019. He still has pretty good speed and burst, even at 31 years old. Bringing the veteran in on a one-year deal as a rotational piece/third-down back won’t exactly make or break things for Atlanta. As you can see below, though, McCoy isn’t done quite yet.
