5 Free Agent Running Backs the Jets Could Target

With the Jets not having any great running backs on the roster, there is a strong possibility they sign a running back in free agency.

In the offensive system that is expected to be implemented by Jets Offensive Coordinator Mike LaFleur, the most important trait for a running back is speed. Vision is not nearly as important and is only really useful if a play breaks down. In the past, the 49ers have mostly used Day 3 picks and signed undrafted free agents to play running back, and have consistently had a good running game. Jets general manager Joe Douglas is expected to focus on building the offensive line, and when he was with the Eagles in the past, they didn't use top picks on running backs. With that being said, I wouldn’t expect the Jets to spend too much on a running back, especially if they don’t have top tier speed. For this reason Packers star running back Aaron Jones is not on this list.

Image via CBS Sports / Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake

1. Kenyan Drake (4.45 40 yard dash time) - Age 27

Coming out of college, Drake ran a 4.45 40 yard dash. This is above average, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. In game, Drake is an incredibly explosive player while healthy. This year, he reached 22.11 MPH on a play, which is the 3rd fastest in the NFL. This was behind only 49ers running back Raheem Mostert who had the first and second fastest times. Drake is an explosive player with top tier speed that could very much help the Jets, and who also fits what the Jets will look for at running back in their new system.

The first two years of his career, Drake wasn't utilized very well, and was stuck in a rotation with the dolphins. In 2019, he played the first half of the season with the Dolphins but was traded to the Cardinals mid-season. In 8 games with the Cardinals, he had 814 yards from scrimmage on 5.4 yards per touch. He also had 643 rushing yards on 5.2 yards per carry in his 8 games with the cardinals. These are both top tier, and would make him a top three running back if he did this over a full season. Coming into this year Drake looked to pick up where he left off, but this didn't exactly come to fruition. He only had 1,092 yards from scrimmage on 4.1 yards per touch. He also had 955 rushing yards on 4 yards per carry. This was disappointing, but it wasn’t terrible. He would certainly be a risky signing, but if he can perform like he did in 2019 he can be a top running back in the league, especially in the offense the jets are looking to run. He is fast enough to be great, and he was pretty good at breaking tackles in 2019, but wasn’t very good this year. At the 2yrs $17 million that spotrac suggests, he would be a pretty good running back with the potential to be great for the Jets. He is still only 27, and he only has had 864 touches on his career. So, he could have 3-4 good years left in his career.

2. Matt Breida (unofficial 4.38 40 time at pro day) - Age 25

Breida went undrafted in 2017, and signed with the 49ers, having a pretty good rookie season. In 2018, he had 1,075 yards from scrimmage on 6 yards per touch on only 14 games. He also had 814 yards on 5.3 yards per carry. In 2019, he was overtaken by Raheem Mostert by the end of the year but he still had 743 yards from scrimmage on 5.2 yards per touch in 13 games. He also had 623 yards on 5.1 yards per carry. This year he was traded to the Dolphins and only had 350 yards from scrimmage and 5.1 yards per touch on 12 games. This year he only had 4.3 yards per carry, and he was barely used in the running game with only 59 carries. He is an extremely fast player, seen by his 4.38 40 time, which is the most important thing for a running back in this scheme. He has also had past success with the 49ers, so he is the perfect fit for the jets. If Mike LaFleur believes he can make an impact he should be very cheap coming off a down year. At the very least he can be the 3rd down running back, and at the age of 25, he can be part of the team's future as well.

3. Josh Adams (unofficial 4.48 40 time at pro day) - Age 24

Adams flashed with the Eagles in 2018, which was his rookie year. He had 120 rushes for 511 yards, which is 4.3 yards per carry. He wasn’t used by the jets in 2019, as he was on the practice squad for most of the year. He was only used in 3 games for the Jets in 2020, and he 157 rushing yards on 29 carries, which is 5.4 yards per carry. He isn’t very effective in the passing game, but he can be good in the running game. In a low sample size in 2020 he had 3.7 average yards after contract, which is in the 100th percentile. If he can stay anywhere near this mark over a full season, he would be a top running back in the league. He stands at 6′ 2″ and 225 pounds, which is huge for a running back. His size and weight are comparable to that of Derrick Henry, and Adams runs downhill similarly to Henry. He is not on Henry’s level, but he could be a similar style first and second down back for the jets. He could be worth bringing back and seeing what he could do with more carries. Since he is only 24, he can still grow and become part of the team's future. This would be a low-risk move, and it would just be a depth signing. If the Jets decide to roll with La’Mical Perine and Ty Johnson I would like to see Adams brought back to compete for touches.

4. Jamaal Williams (4.59 40 time) - Age 25

Throughout his career, Williams has been a backup, occasionally getting a full workload when Aaron Jones misses time. In his first two years, he was below 4 yards per carry but he caught over 25 passes at over 5 yards per target in both years. Over the last two years, he has improved in rushing the ball, with 460 yards and 4.3 yards per carry. He also caught 39 passes for 253 yards, with 5.6 yards per target. This last year, he ran for 505 yards at 4.2 yards per carry. He also caught 31 passes for 236 yards at 6.7 yards per target. It is also worth noting that he has never fumbled in his career. His speed isn’t great, at only a 4.59 40 yard dash time, but he wouldn’t be expected to take on a full workload. He could be used in the running game, but he would mainly be expected to be a 3rd down back. On the ground, he can be a power runner, as he had 2.6 average yards after contact which is in the 71st percentile. He can be a good 3rd down back at the very least, but he can also take on part of the role on the ground, as he had 4.2 yards per carry this past year. He doesn’t fit the scheme amazingly, but if the plan is to roll with a cheaper option and who we already have, he could be the pick as at least a 3rd down back.

5. Jerrick McKinnon (4.41 40 time) - Age 28

Jerrick McKinnon hasn’t been great on the ground recently, but he has been a decent receiving back. He was injured for all of 2018 and 2019, and he finally got to play for the 49ers in 2020. He wasn’t anything amazing, but he was a decent receiving back. He caught 33 passes for 253 yards on 5.5 yards per target. Mike LaFleur is familiar with him from this past year, and if he believes he can be a good 3rd down back he should be brought in. He could also be a veteran presence in the locker room, with the Jets top two running backs as of now being very young. This isn’t the flashiest move, but as a depth piece that is familiar with the system, it is a possibility.

6. Kyle Juszczyk (unofficial 4.71 40 time at pro day) - age 29

I added Kyle Juszczyk to this list as a bonus, and although he is a fullback I think he is important to mention. Juszczyk is probably the most underrated player on the 49ers offense, and he is a key part of their offensive success. He mainly plays fullback but also plays tight end. Having someone who can play fullback and tight end like Juszczyk allows them to use him in many ways. They try to keep a running back, fullback, and 2 tight ends on the field at most times during the game. This allows them to run the ball effectively. Having a very good pass-catching tight end in George Kittle that can also block while also having Juszczyk as an effective pass blocker and receiver at times allows them to also throw the ball effectively out of this look. He is also used to catch passes, mainly in the red zone. He is also key as a lead blocker, especially near the goal line. He can also catch passes, so this allows for some trick plays and keeps the defense on their toes when he is in the game.