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When the Seattle Seahawks signed running backs Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett, it became obvious that former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander is not long for the team.
Now on the wrong side of 30, age and injuries have affected Alexander, who has clearly slowed a step. The former Alabama star went from averaging 5.1 yards per carry two years ago in his MVP season to 3.6 in 2006 to 3.5 last season.
But Alexander isn't totally finished yet. While he'll never again rush for 1,500 yards or score 15 touchdowns, he can be an effective back-up at the very least, or one part of a running back platoon. So where does he fit in? Much of this depends on when he is released. If it is a post June 1 release (when his cap hit can be spread out over two seasons), Alexander's options will be more limited due to teams selecting running backs in the draft. Let's look at some possible landing spots for Alexander as it stands now.
Denver Broncos
Yeah, Denver has Travis Henry, but he is one mistake away from being suspended an entire season. They also still have Selvin Young, who was impressive in his rookie campaign. There are a host of others on the roster, but since when has Mike Shanahan ever had enough running backs? Shaun Alexander could fit in very well in the Broncos' zone blocking scheme.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have made moves at the running back position already this offseason, cutting longtime starter DeShaun Foster and signing LaBrandon Toefield. Nick Goings remains on the team, but he played in just four games last year before landing on injured reserve, and has a combined total of 11 carries over the last two seasons. Officially, the reins have probably been handed over to former first-round pick DeAngelo Williams. Still, it's unknown whether the 5'9" back can handle a full load, and Alexander could help ease that burden.
miami dolphins
Miami desperately needs running backs, and though they're likely to snare one in the draft, Alexander could be an option. Former number two overall pick Ronnie Brown tore up his knee last season, which was unfortunate because he was blossoming. Then Jesse Chatman came in and ran well, but he signed with the New York Jets in the offseason. Beyond that they have a couple of other backs – including Ricky Williams. But who knows if Ricky is going to be there, not be there, be suspended, be in India … in other words, he's unreliable.
Dallas Cowboys
Like the Dolphins, the Cowboys are also thin at running back. Basically, they have Marion Barber, and that's pretty much it. Unless you think Ronnie Cruz from Northern State is the next Walter Payton. Barber is clearly the guy, but he thrived when Julius Jones was helping to split the carries. In fact, Barber only rushed the ball 20 times or more in a game once last season, and carried it more than 15 times in just six games.
(Photo: Flickr)
