Unemployment rises for 30+ year-old backs

By Dan Rodgers

There seems to be a new trend headlining the NFL this off-season:

Release your 30+ year-old running back because his production is going to drop off.

Personally, I am not yet sure how I feel about this. The Jets are set to release Thomas Jones tomorrow; this after arguably his best year as a pro. He set a career high tallying just over 1,400 yards and also had a career high with 14 rushing touchdowns. This all while being 31-years-old. However, he will be 32 by the time next season rolls around and he is due 2.8 million in salary and 3 million in roster bonuses (whatever that means).

The dilemma now becomes (for the Jets): They have Jones, who was third in the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. They also have Shonn Greene, who in his rookie year led the NFL in post season rushing yards. Not to mention, they have Leon Washington who is one of the most explosive backs in the NFL. Even though Washington is coming off injury, it is the same injury Darren Sproles returned from effectively.

Note: By releasing Jones, he becomes available to every team in the final eight...including the Patriots.

Other 30+ year-old backs that have been released include Brian Westbrook and LaDanian Tomlinson. The Eagles are expected to have LeSean McCoy step right in as the feature back. The Chargers are expected to solve their situation in the draft, through free agency or both because they might also lose Darren Sproles to restricted free agency.

My prediction is that this trend is happening due to the overwhelming depth at running back in this league. Most teams run a two-back set in some way or another. Even the amazing Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson share the load with Chester Taylor and LenDale White.

Look for Jones, Westbrook, and LT get forced to take huge pay cuts if they want to play for a contender. Unless they want to finish their career out with a team like the Rams/Raiders/Lions they will not get feature back money.

Where they'll end up:

• Look for LT to go to a team like the Texans where he can share time and tutor Steve Slaton.
• Westbrook will probably end up going to a team like the Vikings. He won't get double digit carries but will be a pivotal third down back.
• Jones, unfortunately, will get brought in by a team like the Pats or Eagles. The Pats love bringing in old backs for cheap to get the ball the five times they don't throw it. The Eagles would be a good fit because he could get some goal-line and short yardage carries without being worn out. He would complement McCoy well.

Rodgers That