Houston Texans: 5 Running backs to examine in free agency

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 18: Running back Spencer Ware #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball as inside linebacker Avery Williamson #54 of the Tennessee Titans chases during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 18: Running back Spencer Ware #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball as inside linebacker Avery Williamson #54 of the Tennessee Titans chases during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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The Houston Texans need to examine their running back situation this offseason, including the free agent market, while also taking a closer look at their current roster.

There is a lot to take in when thinking about and evaluating the current running back situation of the Houston Texans for this offseason and for when the 2019 NFL season begins. Currently the Texans have Lamar Miller with one year left on his contract, plus D’Onta Foreman on the same roster as well. There is also Gregory Howell as the third running back, and having a reserve futures contract is Josh Ferguson.

To be honest that doesn’t get a whole lot excitement from my way as Miller — though a solid running back in some aspects — just doesn’t seem to be the complete answer. None of us have seen enough from Foreman to really get a feel at how he can play in a full NFL season, but I believe he needs to be on the Texans’ roster in 2019 to see what he is capable of doing for the offense.

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Where the Texans need to add to their depth chart is their overall depth to the running backs because with Alfred Blue being a free agent, maybe it is time for the Texans to look elsewhere for a solution at running back.

Maybe the Texans won’t keep Miller, maybe the will, but there could be other options available to them in terms of a new starting running back or as mentioned earlier, a running back that can be used in a rotation of sorts.

Miller completed his 2018 season, where on 210 attempts he rushed for 973 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He also caught 25 passes for 163 yards (6.5 yards per catch) and had one touchdown.

Though Foreman didn’t have any rushing yards in the regular season on seven carries, he did have two receptions for 28 yards and a touchdown as he played in just one game in the ’18 regular season. In the Wild Card Playoff loss Foreman had one carry for there yards.

Changes could be made in Houston with their running backs for varying reasons. The reigning AFC South champions have already promoted Tim Kelly to offensive coordinator to hopefully freshen up an offense that was stagnate at times this past season, With that change, then why not bring in some new players to play running back as well?

Listed next are five free agent running backs who have varying NFL talents and success who could each do different things for the depth chart of the the Texans running backs for the 2019 season.

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