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2013 Free Agent Breakdown: Running Backs

With Steven Jackson hitting free agency, the Rams may need to look for another back. They'd be wise to look at free agent options given the weaker class in the draft.

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Steven Jackson, Rams

The Rams likely won't be able to retain Jackson. It's clear he wants to play for a winning team, and who can blame him after all the years he fought for a terrible team. However, he may join a long list of veterans to fully realize how the NFL currently values backs like him.

If he doesn't get the deal he's expecting to get, the Rams might be able to make a move for him. Unlikely? Perhaps. Impossible? No. Not until he signs with someone else.

(733 Snaps Played) RUSH YARDS Y/A RUSH TD REC YARDS REC TD
2012 Regular Season 257 1042 4.1 4 38 321 0

PFF Grade: +9.3



Justin Forsett, Texans

It's hard to get serious time when you are playing behind Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Still, Forsett was impressive as a third string, making the most out of his carries with the Texans. He was also equally impressive for the Seahawks, but when Marshawn Lynch emerged as, well, Marshawn Lynch, things change.

He isn't likely to be a all-down back, but with three young players already on the roster, it's not likely the Rams will look for someone like that.

(124 Snaps Played) RUSH YARDS Y/A RUSH TD REC YARDS REC TD
2012 Regular Season 63 374 5.9 1 3 38 0

PFF Grade: +4.6



Felix Jones, Cowboys

Jones is someone of a mystery. He's been decent- not great- for the Cowboys ever since he entered the league. Since the Rams are looking for a committee backfield, that's probably a good thing. He came in and had a few good games this year subbing for the injured DeMarco Murray.

(394 Snaps Played) RUSH YARDS Y/A RUSH TD REC YARDS REC TD
2012 Regular Season 111 402 3.6 3 25
262 2


PFF Grade: +0.3



Stefan Logan, Lions

Logan is a small back that is one of the Lions return specialists. Given that Isaiah Pead is likely to have a bigger role on offense (and the fact that he doesn't know when to come out of the endzone and has to be told to stay on returns), the Rams might be looking for a replacement return man.

He averaged just over 9 yards on punt returns and 21 yards on kick returns last year, with a long of 48 and 40 for both, respectively. His career average is 9.6 yards on punt returns and 25.4 yards on kick returns, with one career touchdown on a kick return in 2010.


(27 Snaps Played) RUSH YARDS Y/A RUSH TD REC YARDS REC TD
2012 Regular Season 3 17 5.7 0 6
28 0


PFF Grade: +1.1



Mike Goodson, Raiders

Goodson is an explosive back who lacks ideal strength. He's had some East-West running issues, but he has the ability to shoot through holes. He had a good year in 2010 with the Panthers, but was traded to the Raiders in 2012. Of note, he also has a 76% career catch rate out of the backfield in passing situations, and caught every pass thrown his way last year.

He could be a good, low cost situational back and has experience with kick returns.

(145 Snaps Played) RUSH YARDS Y/A RUSH TD REC YARDS REC TD
2012 Regular Season 35 221 6.3 0 16
195 1


PFF Grade: +6.9