Eagles Free Agency: RB

On the Roster: LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Graig Cooper, Stanley Havili


Key Departures: Ronnie Brown, Owen Schmitt


Ronnie Brown's career with the Eagles can be summed up in this play. At that point, the remote is through the television, and all of Philly is cursing his name.The Eagles tried to trade him to the Detroit Lions for Jerome Harrison, but when Harrison was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, the trade was voided. Brown was destined to be with the Eagles for the 2011-2012 season. Eagles could not show him the door fast enough.


Owen Schmitt is a different story. Nothing spectacular, just a solid Fullback. The Eagles should attempt to bring him back this year.


Top Free Agent Running Backs:
1. Ray Rice (BAL)
2. Matt Forte (CHI)
3. Peyton Hillis (CLE)/ Brandon Jacobs (NYG)
4. Cedric Benson (CIN)
5. Mike Tolbert (SD)
6. Michael Bush (OAK)
7. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE)
8. Kevin Smith (DET)
9. Ryan Grant (GB)
10. Khalil Bell (CHI)


The Eagles, once again, are not shopping for a big name Running Back. McCoy is a fantastic runner, and a even better receiver out of the backfield. I believe he's one of the best Running Backs in the league. WIth Arian Foster and Matt Forte ready to cash in, LeSean will be ready to collect big bucks next year.


However, the Eagles do need a backup running back. Not a guy who will take carries away from McCoy, but come in on 3rd down situations, as well as being able to block in the backfield. 


One name the Eagles should consider is Seattle's Justin Forsett. At 5'8", 200 lbs, he's exactly what you want in a "bruiser back". Forsett is only 26, and would be a great fit in Philadelphia.


UPDATE (4:00 PM): Profootballtalk.com just reported that Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants will be released. He's vastly approaching the "expiration date" for Running Backs (turns 30 in July). Jacobs cannot carry the load as a #1 back, but him and McCoy would be a perfect combination. McCoy brings the speed and the elusiveness, and Jacobs will run it right down your throat. I do not know if the Eagles will explore this option, but I think they should absolutely look into it.