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by Rowan 'Ree-diculous' Sullivan 04.03.2012

Marshawn Lynch

2011 team – Seattle Seahawks
2012 team – Seattle Seahawks

After a great season for the Seattle Seahawks in 2011, amassing 1204 yards and 12 touchdowns, Lynch will be one of the most viable running back options in free agency. However Lynch proved he was an important part of the Seattle Seahawks offense in 2011 which is why the Seahawks will hope to resign him as soon as possible, maybe even using their franchise tag.

Ben-Jarvus Green Ellis
2011 team – New England Patriots
2012 team – Kansas City Chiefs

Despite maintaining his record of not fumbling in an NFL game in 2011, Green Ellis probably would have wanted to have had a more productive season. In free agency Green Ellis will be sought after because of his sure hands and consistency in the running game. Although he probably won’t be brought into any team as a feature back, I predict he will be used to create one of the increasingly popular and successful running back tandems. Therefore he will sign with the Chiefs as a replacement to Jackie Battle to compliment the speed of Jamaal Charles.

Arian Foster
2011 team – Houston Texans
2012 team – Houston Texans

As one of the top running backs in the NFL in 2012, Arian Foster should be creating some buzz for all the teams looking for a running back. However Foster is a restricted free agent, thus almost guaranteeing his return to Houston for 2012. The Texans would be stupid to let go of their running back, who ran for 1224 yards and 10 touchdowns, which is why they will resign him to a long term deal.

Cedric Benson
2011 team – Cincinnati Bengals
2012 team – New York Jets

Cedric Benson has produced in his term with the Bengals, helping them to playoff births in 2009 and 2011. However he has been inconsistent as well as drawing negative media coverage, which is why the Bengals will let him go in free agency. I predict that a team, who thrive in the media, whether negative or positive, will pick him up. Therefore the New York Jets are the perfect match for Ced Ben.

LeGarrette Blount
2011 team – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2012 team – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As a restricted free agent, Blount is more than likely going to end up back in Tampa for 2012. Although the Buccaneers have a new head coach in Schiano, Blount’s production in his first two years will ensure he stays in Tampa. Although this is not to say the Bucs don’t look for another running back in the draft or free agency, Blount is a vital part to Tampa Bay’s offence.

LaDanian Tomlinson
2011 team – New York Jets
2012 – Retired

LaDanian didn’t have a great season in 2011, only managing 280 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. I’m pretty sure he will be looking to retire, thus ending his adventure in New York. Some team might think he has a little left in the tank, but the 2011 season for me has marked the end of his career, which is why the Jets will look to replace him with Ced Ben in 2012.

Michael Bush
2011 team – Oakland Raiders
2012 team – Cincinnati Bengals

With another decent season with the Raiders serving as backup to Darren McFadden, totalling 977 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, Michael Bush will be looked at by plenty of NFL teams. Although he may not command a huge contract, I can see him starting with another team alongside a younger back picked up in the draft. I reckon the Bengals will be a good match for Bush. In Cincinnati he will serve as a replacement to Cedric Benson, helping out the developing QB, Andy Dalton.

Peyton Hillis
2011 team – Cleveland Browns
2012 team – The CIA

Hillis had an underwhelming season in 2011, seemingly plagued by the madden curse, he sat out most of the year due to injury before putting up 587 rushing yards, running at a poor average of 3.6 yards per carry. Despite showing his potential in 2010, Hillis is most likely to leave the NFL to pursue his dream career working for the CIA. He has dedicated his interest in working with this team and I think they’d be crazy to disregard him.

Best of the Rest

Lance Ball, Denver Broncos – Likely to resign with the Broncos in 2012.
Jackie Battle, Kansas City Chiefs – Will test free agency, ultimately signing with a new team in need of a running back.
Khalil Bell, Chicago Bears – Likely to resign with the Bears in 2012.
Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers – Likely to remain with the Packers in 2012.
Tim Hightower, Washington Redskins – Will test free agency, serving as a backup to a feature back.
Mike Tolbert, San Diego Chargers – I predict Tolbert will sign for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are looking to strengthen their running back corps.