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It’s no secret that Todd Gurley is the bell cow back for the Los Angeles Rams. But the coaching staff felt it necessary to supplement the running back position in free agency this offseason by adding former Cowboys’ RB Lance Dunbar. And they may not be done.
According to free agent running back Rashad Jennings, the Los Angeles Rams are amongst five NFL teams with which he’s had “simple conversations” about a return to football.
FA RB @RashadJennings: It is a wait and process for me right now. Simple conversations with #Lions, #Packers, #Ravens, #Rams, & #Dolphins.
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) July 20, 2017
The eight year veteran was released by the New York Giants in February — a move that saved the team just over $3M. The 32-year old has since spent the remainder of the offseason focusing on the hit ABC Show “Dancing with the Stars.”
Jennings’ moves off the field earned him the DWTS Championship. It remains to be seen whether or not he’s still got the moves necessary to make it back onto the grass; but it appears there are several teams who are interested enough to listen.
In his career - playing seven seasons with the Jaguars, Raiders, and Giants - Jennings has rushed for 3,772 yards on 930 carries (4.1 ypc) with 23 touchdowns. A threat in the passing game, Jennings added 191 catches for 1,467 yards and two more scores.
Age is certainly going to be a concern for some teams. As will injuries. In the seven seasons he’s played in, only once has he played a full 16-game slate. In 2011, he missed the entire season after suffering a knee injury in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
As aforementioned, Todd Gurley shouldn’t be concerned at the prospect of adding another running back to the mix. But Rams’ QB Jared Goff would probably welcome a sound pass blocker with open arms. And Jennings fits the bill.
RB Rashad Jennings remains a free agent despite posting the best pass-blocking efficiency at his position in 2016. pic.twitter.com/4KqToSGoep
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 13, 2017
It’ll be interesting to see if Jennings can find a new home in the NFL. But the “wait and see” process he’s currently in will certainly afford him the time to contemplate a preferred landing spot. One would have to think, at age 32, playing for a contender would be top of mind. Three of the five teams he noted were playoff teams in 2016. The Ravens finished 8-8 in a very tough AFC North. The Rams, well, the Rams did not.