Running Backs Find New Homes

As the NFL’s off-season transactions continue to move at a rapid-fire pace, three top-level running backs found new homes today — Ahman Green and Travis Henry in free agency, and Thomas Jones (reportedly) via a trade.

Ahman Green rebounded from an injury-plagued 2005 by rushing for over 1,000 yards last season with the Packers. He moves to Houston where he’ll join Domanick Williams (formerly Davis) and Wali Lundy in what should be a formidable backfield. The only thing the Texans are forgetting (so far) is that they still don’t have anyone to block for these guys or protect the QB.

Travis Henry (formerly Tennessee) now finds himself in a running back’s paradise — Denver — in a five-year, $22.5 million deal ($12 million guaranteed). The Broncos have fielded a 1,000-yard back in all but one season (2001) under head coach Mike Shanahan, so Henry should find great success teaming with Mike Bell. The Titans rolled the dice in letting Henry go. An unproven LenDale White is now at the top of their depth chart.

Thomas Jones thrived in Chicago’s sometimes inept offense with over 1,200 yards and six TDs, helping to lead the Bears to the Super Bowl. Obviously, everyone was paying attention, especially the N.Y. Jets who, according to an early NFL.com report, gave up a second round pick (37th overall) in this year’s Draft to get him. As is the trend in securing two quality backs, Jones will join up-and-comer Leon Washington (650 yards last season) in the Jets backfield. The Bears now turn to Cedric Benson and most-likely Adrian Peterson to carry the load. And carry it they will if Rex Grossman is still the starting QB.