With the 2009 season slowly winding down, it’s not too early to discuss the happenings in 2010. There are going to be some interesting stories, including which players hit free agency, which players will be cut and which head coaches are on the hot seat.
I would like to narrow all the drama and cut it down to the six running backs I think may be making moves once we hit the offseason. These six running backs have some interesting stories behind them and also have an unknown future. There are going to be many teams looking for that future stud, including the Redskins, Browns, Chiefs and Seahawks. It seems that recently teams have been looking for that certain player in the draft. But there is a possibility a team or two will take a chance on one of these guys as a free agent or a recent cut.
Brian Westbrook, Eagles: There is no doubt that Westbrook had been the Eagles offense, period. In an offense that had lacked playmaking receivers before last year, Westbrook was the best rusher and receiver for years, having his best seasons in 2006 and 2007, when he accumulated an average of 2,010 total yards from scrimmage and 23 touchdowns. But unfortunately Westbrook has never been the pillar of health. He has never completed a full 16-game season in his career, but owners had always looked past that because of the exceptional numbers. Fast forward to 2009, and we have a guy who is a shell of his former self. Westbrook has missed three games because of ankle and concussion problems, but the concussions are the bigger issue after he suffered his second against the Chargers in Week 11. Westbrook could be shut down for the season, and there is a possibility that he may be let go from Philly next offseason. At 5-foot-10 and 203 pounds, his smallish body has taken quite a beating during his career. If the Eagles do let Westbrook go, I fully expect someone to pick him up in the hopes that he can get that spark back. But don’t fall into the assumption that he will be a high draft prospect on another team. I personally think he is done. There are rumblings that Westbrook’s career could be over.
LenDale White, Titans: For the past two seasons, White has come up big for fantasy owners in one form or another. His 1,108 rushing yards in 2007 were a quiet surprise, but his 15 rushing touchdowns last year were huge. Playing behind Chris Johnson, I think everyone thought White could be that touchdown vulture again in 2009. But two things happened: Johnson has turned explosive anywhere on the field, and White lost a ton of weight by cutting out drinking. While the weight loss has helped, it may have taken away White’s ability to bowl over defensive lines near the goal line. With his free-agent status coming up in 2010, it will be interesting to see if the Titans re-sign White for depth (I’m not sure they trust rookie Javon Ringer yet) or if White gets some bites from other teams. White still has dynasty value if he ends up going somewhere else. He has fresh legs and may have something to prove after being in the shadow of Johnson all year.
Jerious Norwood, Falcons: Much like White, Norwood has been playing behind Michael Turner and has rarely gotten playing time because of a hip injury this year. A free agent in 2010, Norwood’s stock has plummeted because he has simply shown that he can’t stay healthy, which is a shame because he is an excellent rusher and pass catcher, having racked up 64 catches and 615 yards through the air. Dynasty league owners may want to hold onto Norwood in the hopes he can carve out a role on another team. If he re-signs with Atlanta, he is nothing more than a low-end handcuff with Jason Snelling showing promise in 2009.
Make sure you tune in next week for Part Two. I will be covering the other three prospects: Chester Taylor (Vikings), Willie Parker (Steelers) and LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers).
w
