NFL 2012 Free Agency Preview- Running Backs

We finish up the 2012 NFL Free Agency Preview with a look at the running back position. The value of the running back in the NFL has decreased dramatically over the last five years. Teams don't want to spend too much on running backs-unless they have a top-flight player like Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson and even Arian Foster. When you sign a running back to a big contract, you are taking a huge gamble. Peterson signed a mega-deal with the Vikings, and last year he was carted off the field with a knee injury in Week 16. Chris Johnson signed a huge deal with the Titans last Summer, and he did not perform at a high level at all and had a down year. If you are going to sign a free agent running back, it will be a huge gamble-the classic high risk and high reward scenario. If you can find value at the running back spot and use that player as a compliment in your backfield, then that might be the best option. Here are the top running backs available in free agency this offseason.

** The top three running backs in the market were all franchised earlier in the week, so those guys will not be included on the list. Those players are Ray Rice, Marshawn Lynch, and Matt Forte. Lynch signed an extension with the Seahawks, and the other big free agent, Arian Foster, signed an extension with the Texans.

RUNNING BACKS
1) Michael Bush (Oakland): At 28, he is still young enough to command a decent price. He will be a great addition as a bruiser in a team's backfield.
2) Ryan Grant (Green Bay): Some people are not that high on Grant, but I like him. If he could be had for a fair price, then a lot of teams should take a look at him.
3) Mike Tolbert (San Diego): He is a bulldog at the running back spot. He is big but also very shifty for a big man. He would be a great addition to a team that already has a slasher.
4) Peyton Hillis (Cleveland): I guess the Madden Curse is alive and well. What the hell happened to Hillis in 2011? Anyway, if he gets his head on straight, I still think he is very talented and can get his career going in the right direction again.
5) Benjarvus Green-Ellis (New England): He is a productive back, and he would benefit if he went to a team that spreads you out like the Pats do.
6) Cedric Benson (Cincy): At 29, he is not going to come in and be your starter and everdown player, but he can be a contributor for a contending team.
7) Kevin Smith (Detroit): After battling injuries, he finally found his way back into the league and he played really well for the Lions. It is a gamble, but if he is healthy, Smith can produce.
8) Justin Forsett (Seattle): At 26, his age makes him an intriguing option.
9) Tim Hightower (Washington): At 26, he could be a very viable option as a complimentary back, but he is coming off an ACL injury, so that will be a huge factor in the market for him.
10) Tashard Choice (Buffalo): He is a backup type of player who might provide some depth for your team.

*Possible Under the Radar Player: How about Khalil Bell from Chicago? He is only 25, and he could be someone that flourishes with an expanded role on a new team.

**Possible Broncos Addition: I would love to see Denver go after Mike Tolbert. He would be a nice compliment to Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno, and Lance Ball.