Tag: Chris Thompson

Jags depth chart prediction: Running back

The Jags weren’t able to trade Leonard Fournette this offseason which mean he’ll likely be the guy leading their group of tailbacks in 2020.

With our depth chart predictions for the quarterback position out of the way, it’s time to move on to the running backs.

Here’s how we see things shaking out at what could be the second most important position for the Jags’ offense this regular season:

RB1: Leonard Fournette

This offseason the Jags at least were open to trading Leonard Fournette but we’re now past the draft and he’s still on the roster. Simply put, that means he’s going to be a Jag in 2020 in all likelihood and will also be their top running back.

Fournette will enter 2020 as one of the Jags’ top weapons after accumulating career-highs in rushing yards (1,152) and yards per carry (4.3) in 2019. He only had three touchdowns on the season, however, so hopefully coordinator Jay Gruden can help him find the end-zone more.

RB2: Ryquell Armstead

Just as he was in 2019 during his rookie campaign, Ryquell Armstead could enter 2020 as the Jags No. 2 running back. Unfortunately, he received limited carries (35) and only registered 108 yards on the ground as a result.

Granted his history with injuries, Fournette could benefit from sharing the load with Armstead but it’s unknown if the Jags will reduce his carries and utilize the second-year tailback more. Additionally, Fournette’s future with the team past 2020 is murky so it’s clear Armstead needs more snaps on the field.

RB3: Chris Thompson

Chris Thompson could be the No. 2 behind Fournette just as Armstead could, but I gave the edge to Armstead because Thompson is more of a threat in the passing game with 1,194 career receiving yards. He does know the system better than any running back on the team, however, as he spent several years under Jay Gruden in Washington so he has the edge over Armstead in that regard.

RB4: Devine Ozigbo

The Jags barely used Devine Ozigbo last season after acquiring him off the waiver wire after final cuts. He only registered nine carries for 27 yards and was only active for 10 games. He’ll be fighting to make the roster this year as a bubble player and will be the tailback who has to fend off the new incoming rookies.

RB5: James Robinson

This young undrafted rookie is a sleeper to make the roster in my opinion. He was a player who some scouts felt was a draftable prospect out of Illinois State as he was ultra-productive for the Redbirds, garnering 4,444 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns.

RB6: Tavien Feaster

Tavien Feaster is a Southeastern Conference product from South Carolina, so he’s played against the highest level of competition available. Before that, he spent three years with the Clemson Tigers. He’ll enter his rookie year with 2,002 career rushing yards and 20 touchdowns and could be a practice squad candidate with a good preseason.

RB7: FB Connor Slomka

Connor Slomka is listed as a fullback on the Jags’ site but Gruden hasn’t carried a fullback on his roster in recent years. That said, the Jags might be looking at Slomka more as an H-back. Regardless, he’s a long shot to make the final roster though practice squad is a possibility.

RB8: Nathan Cottrell

Nathan Cottrell was a teammate of sixth-round pick Tyler Davis at Georgia Tech. While there he wasn’t super-productive, garnering only 640 career yards and four touchdowns throughout four seasons. For that reason, it’s hard to see him making the final roster, but again, practice squad could be an option for him like the other undrafted running backs.

Listen to the latest from Jags Wire’s own James Johnson and Phil Smith on their podcast “Bleav in the Jags.” Subscribe via Apple podcasts and check out our archived episodes via Bleav Podcasts.

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Chris Thompson says leaving Redskins was hard because he felt success was near

Thompson left Washington in free agency but says it was made more difficult by the fact that he could feel the positive change in the air.

Former Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson was not excited to be starting a new journey in the 2020 offseason. After spending his entire NFL career with the team who drafted him, Thompson knew he was not going to have his contract renewed, and he entered the free agency period unsure of what would come next.

This was especially hard for Thompson because he had a feeling that the ever-elusive success that he’s been chasing in Washington was coming into view.

“That’s what makes it harder,” Thompson said, according to ESPN’s John Keim. “I truly feel that things are about to change there and in a really good way. I always wanted to be part of this team when it all turned around. … I wanted to be with one team for my entire career — not only on the team but to make a big impact.”

During his seven years with the Redskins — the last four of which he called the “most enjoyable years of football” in his life despite the losing — Thompson became a fan and team favorite, serving as a shifty third-down back, though he was oft-injured. Now that he’s on a new team — with Jay Gruden and the Jacksonville Jaguars — Thompson can look back on his time in Washington and be happy. Both sides are in better situations for the future, and a valuable relationship was ended without any hard feelings — a rarity n Washington.

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Former Redskins RB Chris Thompson signs 1-year deal with Jaguars

The Redskins former pass-catching RB has signed a 1-year deal with Jacksonville and will reunite with Jay Gruden.

Former Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson has signed a one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he will reunite with his former coach Jay Gruden, who is now the OC in Jacksonville.

It doesn’t come as a major surprise that CT went where Gruden now is, as the two seemed to have a close relationship during their time in Washington. When it was announced that Gruden was fired by the Redskins, Thompson was seen crying to the media, wishing the best for his coach.

He will now play alongside QB Gardner Minshew and RB Leonard Fournette with the Jaguars, where he will likely carve out a role in the passing game.

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Jaguars sign RB Chris Thompson to a 1-year deal

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be bringing in former Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson on a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. RB Chris Thompson is signing a one-year deal with the Jaguars, per source. Good pass-catching …

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be bringing in former Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson on a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Thompson, 29, was a fifth-round selection (No. 154 overall) out of Florida State for the Redskins in 2013 NFL Draft. While there he served predominantly as a pass-catcher and will enter Jacksonville with 1,772 career receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. As a rusher, he managed to garner 1,194 career yards and five touchdowns with Washington.

Thompson is also a native of Greenville, Fla., just an hour and 45 minutes from Jacksonville.

Thompson played under current Jaguars coordinator Jay Gruden from 2014-19. With there being a connection between the two, it appears the Jags wanted to add a veteran to their running backs room. Currently, the group includes Leonard Fournette, Ryquell Armstead, and Devine Ozigbo at the top of the depth chart, none of whom have been in the league as long as Thompson.

10 available free agents who could help the Eagles in 2020

Here are 10 players who are available in free agency and can help the Philadelphia Eagles.

The NFL’s first wave of free agency has come and gone with the Eagles making some big moves and trading for a shutdown cornerback.

The NFL draft is scheduled to proceed as a scheduled and the Eagles have a little less than a month to add more talent via free agency.

With a ton of talent still on the open market, here are 10 players that the Eagles could look to add via free agency.

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Jan 13, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) during the first quarter in the NFC Divisional playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

1. Devonta Freeman, RB,

The Falcons released Freeman to free up cap space and after a season in which he had 1,066 yards from scrimmage but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, Freeman could be the perfect complimentary piece to Miles Sanders in a backup role.

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12 under-the-radar free agents for the Bills to target on offense

The NFL’s free agency period is slated to open on March 18 and the Buffalo Bills could be in business. The Bills signed cornerback Josh Norman last week, getting a head start on things.

The NFL’s free agency period is slated to open on March 18 and the Buffalo Bills could be in business. The Bills signed cornerback Josh Norman last week, getting a head start on things.

But despite that signing, the Bills moved from just the fourth-most to fifth-most salary cap space in the league, near $77.4 million, according to Spotrac. That’s a lot of room for more moves, and of course, room for big-named additions.

But in recent years, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott have had a thing for finding diamonds in the rough. Could the 2020 offseason have more of the same?

With that, here are 12 under-the-radar free agents on offense the Bills could consider adding:

Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

WR Demarcus Robinson

The Bills have John Brown and Cole Beasley who are solid, but the talent that Demarcus Robinson was behind with the Chiefs has kept his opportunities very limited. At receiver, there’s Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman, then there’s tight end Travis Kelce, who’s basically a No. 1 wideout.

But when Robinson did get some chances when Hill was out, he showed some skill. He caught 32 passes for 449 yards and four touchdowns last season. What could make him further appealing is his 14 yards-per-catch average last season. Over the past two seasons, he’s had eight total scores.

What many peg for the Bills is adding a wideout with size, though. Robinson isn’t overly big at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, but stretching the field is a plus with quarterback Josh Allen’s arm strength.

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4 backup running backs the Jets should avoid in free agency

Jets Wire takes a look at four running backs the Jets should steer clear of when searching for a backup for Le’Veon Bell.

The Jets are set at the top of their running back depth chart with Le’Veon Bell, but there’s not much behind him right now.

Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery, the Nos. 2 and 3 running backs on the depth chart last season, are unrestricted free agents. That leaves New York with no established depth behind its star tailback. Fortunately for first-year general manager Joe Douglas, free agency will provide him with the opportunity to fill those voids.

Buyer beware, though. There are some running backs available on the open market that could wind up making Douglas look bad down the road. Who are those backs? Let’s take a look.

Lamar Miller

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Miller is a backup at this point in his career, but he is not one the Jets should be targeting. The 29-year-old tore both his ACL and MCL last preseason and it remains to be seen if he will ever get back to 100 percent.

The injury risk alone makes Miller worth staying away from. The Jets need a reliable backup for Bell, not one who is coming off major knee surgeries. Factor in Miller’s dip in production prior to his injury and that makes him a running back Douglas should wipe off his free agency big board.

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NFL Free Agency: 5 running backs Giants could target to backup Saquon

The New York Giants need a backup to Saquon Barkley, so here’s a look at five running backs they may target in free agency.

The New York Giants have many positions to address in free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft, some of which are far more important than others.

Somewhere in the mid-tier of needs is a backup running back or two; someone to spell Saquon Barkley so that he’s not forced to take on a massive workload.

That’s not to say Barkley can’t handle a massive workload because he certainly can, but it’s not beneficial to his long-term viability. So with that in mind, here’s a look at five running backs the Giants could poke around in free agency.

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Kenyan Drake

At some point or another, someone is going to realize the worth of Kenyan Drake and let him take over as their starter. That time could arrive here in 2020, but in the event it doesn’t and Drake again finds himself backing someone up, why not Saquon?

Drake is a talented all-around back who averaged a career-high 5.2 yards per carry (200+ carries) for the Arizona Cardinals last year. And while his production out of the backfield slipped, he is a more than capable pass-catcher.

The one drawback? Drake is reportedly seeking upwards of $8 million per season, which would price the Giants out of his market. However, if he can’t land that, Drake is worth keeping an eye on.

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Forecasting fantasy football free-agent running backs

The 2020 fantasy football landscape for running backs largely depends on what happens with several players already under contract.

When the NFL’s 2020 free agency period opens March 18, we’ll see several familiar faces switching teams, including one star who may be in a new uniform for the first time in 20 years.

In fantasy football, forecasting statistical production largely hinges on where said player winds up, of course, and the nature of this being a team game means the supporting cast is an intertwining factor in developing a sound projection.

Looking at the key fantasy contributors facing free agency generates plenty of questions. Let’s try to wager some educated guesses as to where these guys will land.

Running backs

(Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports)

Derrick Henry: After some clarification on Henry’s part over a statement that Ezekiel Elliott’s five-year, $90 million ($50M guaranteed) will be the floor in contract negotiations, one has to wonder just how much Tennessee values the 2019 NFL rushing champ. He is in the prime of his career and fits all that this offense is looking for in his position, but re-signing quarterback Ryan Tannehill also is a high priority, and paying elite money for running backs tends to be a waste in today’s landscape. Tannehill probably will receive the franchise tag, and it’s likely right tackle Jack Conklin walks in free agency, freeing up money for Henry being retained. He’s an RB1 with elevated risk in fantasy due to a bruising style and the expected loss of Conklin.

Kenyan Drake: In response to being traded from Miami to Arizona, Drake took the fantasy world by storm with a monster closing stretch. RB David Johnson will be traded in all likelihood, and Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said he wants Drake to return. The catch will be how much money the former Alabama standout is looking for in his first opportunity at testing the open market. The “Air Raid” offense proved to be a good fit, and this one solidly is about financials on both sides. In his prime and coming off of seven touchdowns in the final three games, Drake has suitors, and the Cards will look at all options to get a deal done. My expectation is Drake takes the best deal offered his way, and I think it will come from the red birds.

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Melvin Gordon: The veteran’s attempt at leveraging a new contract fell flat on its face in 2019, and now Gordon heads into free agency unlikely to see elite money. The Los Angeles Chargers have moved on from quarterback Philip Rivers, and Gordon joins tight end Hunter Henry as unrestricted free agents. My gut feeling is Gordon ends up in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Miami Dolphins jersey. Florida doesn’t have state income taxes, which is a nice perk, and who hates warm weather? A dark horse could be the Buffalo Bills, and there’s a slim chance the Detroit Lions are ready to move on from the thus far injury-prone Kerryon Johnson. Atlanta and Houston shouldn’t be discredited, either. On talent alone, Gordon is an RB2 in all formats and has more stability in PPR setups.

Chris Thompson: A PPR-only option, Thompson could follow Jay Gruden to Jacksonville. The former Washington Redskins head coach recruited Thompson and stuck by his side through myriad injuries, and the Jaguars probably don’t want Leonard Fournette catching 300 passes a year. Thompson, despite the durability issues, is a No. 3/flex type in any setting that offers him a clear path to third-down work.

Jordan Howard: After a pair of try-hard seasons with at least 1,100 rushing yards and seven total scores to open his career with the Chicago Bears, Howard was traded to Philly following an unspectacular third year in 2018. This ’19 season was marred by a lingering ankle injury after showing inconsistently quality play in the first nine weeks. Howard is unlikely to find a bell-cow situation, and his return to Philly seems questionable, so this one is really a tossup.

Peyton Barber: Tampa Bay is expected to let him test the market, and while Barber has surprised at times, he is undoubtedly an overachiever. That alone makes him a dangerous draft option in any setting, and he’s not going to be signed to carry the workload. Barber is a backup candidate in fantasy drafts if he finds a home that offers a reasonably large share of the touches.

Carlos Hyde: Among the top four running backs on the 2019 roster, just Duke Johnson is under contract for the upcoming season. Hyde came over via trade for essentially a ham sandwich prior to the ’19 campaign and produced a shade over 1,000 ground yards and a six scores. Hyde is a veteran journeyman whose skill set will garner him an opportunity outside of the state of Texas, should Houston be ready to move on, but my instincts tell me he will renew with the Texans on a “prove it” deal for a year or two at a respectable salary. If that is indeed the outcome of his free agency explorations, Hyde is a No. 3/flex fantasy back with RB2 utility in friendly matchups.

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Lamar Miller: Miller returns from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the preseason and finds himself testing the open market, barring Houston making a somewhat surprising bid to retain him. The former Miami Dolphin faces an age-29 season and has moderate injury history beyond the knee, so his market is unlikely to be vast. There are a handful of teams looking for a complementary veteran, and he would make some sense if the dollars are right for teams such as Buffalo, Las Vegas, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Miami, Philadelphia, and the Los Angeles Chargers. More teams are in play if their expected plans go awry (TEN, ARI, LAR). Long story short, Miller’s landing spot matters more than just about anything relative to his fantasy football valuation. RB3 talent, coin toss for the situation…

(Stan Szeto, USA TODAY Sports)

DeAndre Washington: Has Washington flashed enough in limited action during his NFL career as predominantly playing a reserve role to lure a team into taking a chance that he could be a hidden gem in need of a starting role? Probably not, but it isn’t an unreasonable question. Jon Gruden could push to have him re-signed to spell Josh Jacobs, provided Washington’s market isn’t more appealing from his perspective. Working in his favor, Washington is versatile and pretty good around the stripe. Keep tabs on his possible movement. In the best-case scenario, he’s a No. 3 with a workload of 50/50 or greater. Otherwise, he’s low-end handcuff consideration.

Theo Riddick: The former Detroit Lion and now Denver Bronco does one thing exceptionally well, and that’s catching the rock out of the backfield. He offers zilch as a running back, and durability is also a major worry. Teams in need of a third-down back or a change of pace will have him in mind. Riddick makes some sense for Tennessee with Dion Lewis likely to be cut, and a wide range of other teams will be in need of a pass-catching asset. Riddick is a PPR-only flier in the right setting.

LeSean McCoy: Shady looked cooked in 2019, and even Andy Reid seemed to agree by making him a healthy scratch with the caveat McCoy would be needed to be fresh for the playoffs — in which he also was inactive twice and failed to touch the ball. There is little reason to trust McCoy will rebound at 32 years old, and it would take a unique situation for gamers to treat him as a draftable player in 2020.

Frank Gore: Entering his age-37 season as an unrestricted free agent, Gore is interested in playing again and could return to the Bills as a spell to the explosive Devin Singletary. He’ll test the market in March and make a decision from there. He doesn’t offer draft-worthy fantasy value.

Could Redskins be a potential landing spot for Cardinals RB David Johnson?

The Cardinals are likely to trade Johnson, and they could offer a couple of picks to whichever team is willing to take him off their hands.

Free agency is on everyone’s mind at the moment, and running back is not an area of need for the Washington Redskins. However, an interesting trade opportunity has presented itself recently, involving a once high-profile running back who could be on the move, and a team so desperate to rid of his bloated contract that they may offer a draft pick or two to whichever team is willing to take him off of their hands.

I’m talking about David Johnson and the Arizona Cardinals.

Those who hold memories of the 2016 NFL season are definitely listening now, while recent fantasy owners of Johnson might scoff a bit. After bursting onto the scene with 20 total touchdowns in his sophomore season, Johnson has struggled to live up to the high bar he set, totaling just 16 touchdowns in the three years since. An injury sidelined him in 2017, but the young and adept pass-catcher signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Cardinals in 2018. Since then, he’s been relegated to a backup role in Arizona, and now the team is looking at the two years and more than $26 million left on his contract with disdain.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Cardinals owe so much guaranteed money to Johnson that they are unable to release him, but there is still a route for them to rid of his contract — via trade. It would take the Cardinals eating a bit of Johnson’s contract, or giving up a draft pick or two, simply in order to get their once-prized RB on a new team.

So could the Redskins take him off of their hands if they were to throw in a couple of mid-round picks? It’s possible.

Like we mentioned earlier, the Redskins don’t have much of a need at the running back position, with Derrius Guice nearing full recovery from a knee injury, Adrian Peterson likely to have his contract option picked up, and rookie Bryce Love set to make his NFL debut in the near future. However, this seems like a low-risk move that could potentially be a difference-maker in Washington; the Redskins have the extra salary cap to make it work, and they could add to their draft capital while bringing a veteran playmaker into the building. You may claim that Johnson is past his prime, and that could be true, but the Cardinals system was never a perfect fit for his playstyle, and a new set of scenery may be just what Johnson needs to jump-start his career.

It’s also important to mention that Johnson’s bread-and-butter is acting as a pass-catching RB out of the backfield, and the Redskins are likely to watch Chris Thompson — who played a similar role in Washington — walk in free agency this year.

It may be a long shot, but it at least should be mentioned and considered. Johnson has the ability to slice and dice opposing defenses when healthy and playing to his strengths. The Redskins would have to give up a little bit of money in order to get the deal done, but in return, they might receive some highly-valuable draft capital and a former super-star in the backfield. It’s worth considering.

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