Here we will continue our series of what I would do with each player on the team this offseason if I was Howie Roseman, this time looking at the running backs.
Miles Sanders
Sanders only reached double digit carries in half of the games he played this year, and he is simply too talented for that to be the case. This was largely due to Nick Sirianni’s poor game plans towards the beginning of the season, which he certainly learned from over the course of the season, so I fully expect him to be more consistently involved in the offense next year. Next season is a crucial one for Sanders, as he is entering the final year of his rookie deal and most would agree that he has not yet earned a massive contract extension. While he is easily the most talented runner on the roster, he has been less efficient as a receiver each year in the league and seems to often leave meat on the bone on his carries (this is a touchdown if he actually follows Jason Kelce). Sanders will need to put it all together next year if he wants a big payday from the Eagles.
What I would do: I would not extend him now, but I also would not trade him. Running backs typically don’t really have competitive free agent markets, so I am comfortable letting him prove himself this year and talking to him in 2023 should he do so.
Jordan Howard
Howard spent the first half of the season on the Eagles’ practice squad and then was called up after Sanders was lost to injury. Subsequently, the Eagles were 6-1 in the seven games Howard touched the ball at least ten times, and for good reason. He’s a hard, between-the-tackles runner who does not leave any yards on the table, and his efficiency was crucial during Sanders’ injury absence. He offers very little in the passing game, but in the committee the Eagles were running for a large chunk of the season, they didn’t need to play him on passing downs. Still, while Howard certainly helped the Eagles this season, he is replaceable, and unlikely to be a long term piece. He can be back, but should not be any sort of priority.
What I would do: If it’s June and I didn’t sign or draft a power back, and Howard is still sitting out there, then sure, I’ll bring him back on another one year deal. I would be more inclined, however, to draft a younger power runner during Day 3 of the draft to play a similar role, while possibly offering more explosiveness and receiving chops.
Boston Scott
Scott is a fun player who runs with more power than his 5’6 frame would suggest, and who oddly always seems to save his best performances for the Giants, scoring at least one touchdown in all six career games against them. Scott is a likable guy and serviceable depth, but similar to Howard, I think they should start prioritizing the younger players they have at this position, like the two guys coming up.
What I would do: I like Boston Scott a lot, and he has delivered some clutch plays for the Eagles over his three years here. Still, with their current depth at running back, he is, like Howard, low on the priority scale for me. Scott is a restricted free agent, but I probably wouldn’t even tender him.
Kenny Gainwell
Gainwell appears to be an absolute steal in the 5th round of the draft this year, joining Tony Pollard and Antonio Gibson as recently selected University of Memphis running backs who turned out to be later-round gems (all in the NFC East, oddly enough). While his playing time was sporadic, Gainwell was highly effective as a pass catcher (easily the best receiving back on the team) and was smart as a runner for a rookie. Gainwell actually had more receiving yards than Jalen Reagor this year (if you include the playoff game), and should absolutely have a large role on this team going forward.
What I would do: Gainwell is already a good player and is dirt cheap for three more years. No-brainer – keep him.
Jason Huntley
Huntley only played in one game this season – the essentially meaningless Week 18 game against the Cowboys. However, he showed during that game he was probably the best kick returner on the team, breaking out a few nice ones that night. Huntley certainly has some speed, and with the Eagles unable to find an effective returner in recent years, he is definitely worth holding onto for the time being.
What I would do: Huntley is signed through 2023, and considering he is young, fast, cheap, and can return kicks, he is at a minimum worth keeping during training camp and the preseason. If the Eagles do not invest in running back this offseason, he could be a candidate to make the team as a reserve runner and kick returner.
Photo: Getty Images
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