After my latest article on how Eagles can't afford for Miles Sanders to have a sophomore slump, I wanted to make a list of five running backs the Eagles could look to target to bring in some help for Sanders and take some weight off his shoulders so he isn't overworked.
The Eagles running back situation has been a committee the entire Doug Pederson Era, so that means there is a good chance he brings in some much-needed experience into this position (but don't expect any expensive players). Let's take a look at some realistic options the Eagles could add that would make sense.
LeSean McCoy
This is one that I hope truly works out since he deserves to retire with the Birds and never should have left. Drafted by the Eagles back in 2009, McCoy was arguably the best running back they have ever drafted. With Sanders taking most of the carries, it would benefit him to have someone to learn from that could also be a rotational piece.
What makes this move even more possible is McCoy has made it known that he wants to come home to Philadelphia, even telling wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who played with McCoy back in the day, that they need this reunion to finally happen.
Corey Clement
From not getting drafted in 2017 to signing with the Eagles and becoming a crucial part to the Birds winning their first Super Bowl, Clement now finds himself back on the open market. The Eagles decided not to put the restricted free agent tender on Clement after he dealt with some injuries the past two seasons. I think it would be smart for them to sign a one-year "prove it" deal, which would benefit the team, Clement himself, and Howie Roseman (since he loves to make these types of deals). This is a good possibility to happen unless some teams realize how much of a steal he could potentially be when healthy.
Devonta Freeman
Freeman could be expensive if he still wants a multi-year deal, but Roseman has gotten players of Freeman's caliber to sign a one-year "prove it" deals to join a Super Bowl-caliber team. Freeman would also be realistic because he is not just a speed rusher, but could fill Jordan Howard's place as a power 'back as well, which the Eagles desperately need.
2015 to 2017 were Freeman's best seasons so far, as he recorded two 1,000+ rushing yard campaigns. In 2018 Freeman suffered an ACL tear in November in 2018, then came back in 2019 for 656 rushing yards and 410 receiving yards. To come back off an injury like that must have been hard, but shows how determined he is to prove his worth.
Carlos Hyde
This is another 'back who's skillset could help replace Jordan Howard's spot. He would be a great fit for coach Duce Staley because he reminds me a lot of Staley back when he was wearing midnight green. 2018 was not his best season, but ended up being traded by the Cleveland Browns during the season to the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, in 2019 Hyde bounced back with the Houston Texans, rushing for total yards of 1,070 yards.
I for one think it would be worth taking a shot at bringing Hyde in, as I think the Birds will rely on the run in 2020 thanks to the wide receiver problem the team has. This means there will be an abundance of snaps for the taken, which Hyde could snatch up.
Lamar Miller
This one is probably the riskiest of the lot, as he torn his ACL in early 2019 in a pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys. Miller would serve best from a "prove it" deal and a rotational position as he tries to work his way back up to full strength and speed. If Freeman can come back from an injury like that the next season, I know Miller, who is one of the most underrated running backs in the league, could do so as well. In my opinion, Miller is a dependable back who is not injury prone and still has a lot to offer even off of a devastating injury.
Most of his career Miller was close to or over 1,000 rush yards. He obviously won't get near that number if he were to sign with the Birds, but he would certainly give the Eagles the depth they need. Plus, he will come in with a chip on his shoulder wanting to prove his worth to the rest of the league.
Well, there you have it -- a list of five possible additions that the Eagles could end up targeting to replace Jordan Howard's snaps and give Doug Pederson another reliable 'back to take some weight off of Miles Sanders' shoulders. Whoever the Birds decide to go with, I'm sure Roseman will use his magic who fits the scheme best with who is available at the position.
