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New York Giants: Top 5 Running Backs To Consider In Free Agency

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Eddie Lacy

Age: 26 (6/2/1990)
Experience: Four Seasons
2016 Season Statistics: 5 GP, 71 ATT, 360 YDS; 4 REC, 28 YDS

Eddie Lacy has experienced weight issues and is coming off of ankle surgery. When healthy and at an acceptable weight, however, Lacy is one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL due to his unique combination of power and speed.

Paul Perkins is a playmaker in the passing attack and a potential threat on the ground, which makes Lacy the ideal complement in a 1-2 punch.

Lacy is reportedly willing to sign a one-year deal, which would minimize the Giants’ risk. The 2014 season firmly displays his capabilities, as he recorded 1,139 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, as well as 42 receptions, 427 yards, and four scores.

This past season, Lacy appeared in five games and ran for averages of both 72.0 yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry.

Both of those averages would be a breath of fresh air for a Giants team that averaged 88.3 yards per game and 3.5 yards per cary as a collective unit.

Even with his weight issues, Lacy managed to run for upwards of five yards per carry. It’s impossible to guarantee that he’ll remain in shape and healthy in 2017, but if the deal is reasonable in length and cost, it could make sense.

The Green Bay Packers could re-sign Lacy in free agency, but the Giants have an interesting pitch to make with Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., and Perkins on offense.

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