Houston Texans: Five free agent RB options

Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) runs the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) runs the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Bilal Powell, New York Jets, 27 years old

The New York Jets have Chris Ivory, plus brought in former Patriots feature back Stevan Ridley and Rams former lead back Zac Stacy as well last season. Does that mean Bilal Powell could become the forgotten man as he enters free agency?

In five NFL seasons, Powell has yet to be used as a feature back, but could the 5’11” 204 pound back succeed in such a role? It may be worth trying to find out because he has been successful in his limited sample size thus far.

With 402 career rushes, Powell has 1,609 yards and seven touchdowns but really makes his mark catching passes out of the backfield. The veteran back has 112 catches for 899 yards and two more scores, highlighted by his 2015 season in which he recorded 47 receptions for 388 yards as well as both his career touchdowns.

Due to his limited time running the ball, he may be had on the cheap, but could be convinced to come to a team like Houston that may have an open competition and likes to throw the ball to players out of the backfield.

Next: A back-by-committee player looks to be the guy