NFL Top Free Agents and Signings: RBs

Without a doubt, Murray is the most talented back on the open market this year. In the first 16-game season of his NFL career, Murray led the NFL in rushing by almost 400 yards and tied for the league lead in rushing scores. The once injury-plagued back was named the Offensive Player of the Year for his efforts. Due to their salary cap situation, the Cowboys appear unlikely to re-sign the 27-year-old, leaving Murray free to choose his team for 2015 and beyond.

A first-round pick in 2011 and Heisman trophy winner in college, Ingram finally showed flashes in 2014 of the player he was expected to be upon entering the league. Despite missing three games with a hand injury, Ingram notched career-highs in attempts, yards and touchdowns. Due to his inconsistent play over four years, Ingram's may have to settle for a backfield by committee rather than a feature role.  

Forsett was the most surprising back of 2014 as he seamlessly filled the role of Ray Rice for the Ravens. Thrust into a starting role for the first time, Forsett rushed for career-highs in yards and touchdowns. After his succesful season in Baltimore, Forsett's most likely outcome in free agency will be returning to Ravens.

Spiller's 2014 season was derailed by a broken collarbone which forced him to miss seven games and be limited in others. Spiller's shown flashes of brilliance since the Buffalo Bills drafted him ninth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, but has also been largely inconsistent. Entering his age 28 season, Spiller has already linked himself to former Bills head coach Chan Gailey, who is currently the Jets offensive coordinator. Spiller had the best season of his career under Gailey in 2012, rushing for 1,244 yards and receiving for 459 more.

Moreno will enter free agency this season after tearing his ACL just six weeks into his one-year deal with the Dolphins. Moreno showed an ability to be the lead back in the offence with the Dolphins in 2013 but only drew a $3 million offer last season. Moreno will likely be forced to settle for another one-year contract as he looks to prove his health in 2015. 

Mathews has shown the ability to be a feature back at times throughout his NFL career, but injuries have consistently hampered his time in the pros. Across five NFL season, Mathews has played in all 16 games just once - in 2013, when he rushed for a career-high 1,255 yards. Mathews, like Moreno, will likely look to prove himself on a one-year deal.

Ridley's 2014 season came to an early end thanks a torn ACL and MCL but, when healthy, the 26-year-old can be a lead back. In 2012, Ridley rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns as the feature back in the Patriots' prolific offence. Ridley's also spent time on the bench due to fumbles in New England, he has eight career fumbles (five lost), but did not put the ball on the ground in six games this season.

Bradshaw was putting together a very impressive season as a rushing/receiving threat with the Colts last season until a broken leg ended his year in Week 11. The injury was just the latest in a string for the back, who has yet to put together a healthy 16-game season since 2010. If teams can look past his injury concerns, Bradshaw should draw work as a third-down and change-of-pace back.

Throughout his time in New England, Vereen established himself as one of the best receiving backs in football. In 2014, he was healthy in all 16 games for the first time in his career and caught a game-high 11 passes in Super Bowl XLIX. Proving to be as sure handed as any running back in the league and going on just 26, Vereen will be in demand this offseason.  

Going on 32, Gore is not the same back he once was but remains servicable when used in moderation. Running backs over the age of 30 typically don't garner a lot of free agent interest, meaning Gore may have to wait for other running backs to sign before he finds his 2015 team. Look for a team to add Gore for depth this offseason if he parts with the 49ers.