RB Offseason 2025

[MichaelWeston]

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1X5zdTRZPDkDPyoBeBmCfryu321hyal7qybbZpLYIOqE/edit?usp=sharing

 

Last years convo

 

Green=Guys I like

Gold=Guys that I'd target over errybody

Green/Teal=Notes that standout for guys

Red=Bad stats/notes

Purple=Was coached by our coach

 

Draft Order	Cap	RB	Age	Overall	Running	Receiving	P Block	R Block	Snaps	Starts 24/Career	Stats	Size	ELU	Notes
		Brown-Bengals	25	75.7	73.8	76.8	62.3	61.1	685	10/10	229-990-4.3-7; 54-360-6.7-4	5'9 215		2027
		Milton-Bengals	23	60.2		56.7	73.5	60	6	NA	NA	6'1 232		2026
		Moss-Bengals	27	58.2	55.4	66.2	50.6	60	297	6/17	74-242-3.3-2; 23-187-8.1-1	5'10 215		2026
		Brightwell-Bengals	26						0	0/2	NA	6'1 220		Future
		Evans-Bengals	28									5'11 215		2025
		Herbert-Bengals	27	52	57.6	37.6	46.4	62.1	139	1/13	28-114-4.1-0; 8-21-2.6-0	5'9 212		2025
		Williams-Bengals	28	42.9		56.7	15.4	60	10	0/0	2 tackles	5'8 206		2025
Draft Order	Cap	RB	Age	Overall	Running	Receiving	P Block	R Block	Snaps	Starts 24/Career	Stats	Size	ELU	Notes
Starters
		Harris-Stealers	27	77.2	77.5	63.4	56.1	65.9	587	17/68	263-1043-4.0-6; 36-283-7.9-0	6'1 242	74.9
		Jones-Vikings	30	75.4	76.5	70.6	51.7	40.1	753	17/102	255-1138-4.5-5; 51-408-8.0-2	5'9 208
	7	Dowdle-Cowboys	27	73.9	74.4	64.9	62.1	54.3	634	15/15	235-1079-4.6-2; 39-249-6.4-3	6'0 215
		Dobbins-Chargers	26	66.6	67.1	54.5	69.6	68.9	568	11/21	195-905-4.6-9; 32-153-4.8-0	5'10 215
		Williams-Broncos	25	61.7	60.5	63.7	68.4	42.3	604	11/29	139-513-3.7-4; 52-346-6.7-0	5'10 220
Rotational
		Dillon-Packers	27	75.7	76.1	68.2	56	56.6	494	6/15	178-613-3.4; 22-223-10.1-0	6'0 247		IR-Stinger
		Hunt-Chiefs	30	74.3	74.9	61.8	56.6	60.6	537	8/46	200-728-3.6-7; 23-176-7.7-0	5'11 216
	5	Johnson-Bills	28	73.3	78.5	73	31.9	47.5	400	1/7	41-213-5.2-1; 18-284-15.8-3, 5 tackles	5'10 210
		Akers-Vikings	26	72.2	75.9	59.8	33.9	60	294	2/17	104-444-4.3-2; 14-68-4.9-3	5'10 217
		McNichols-Commanders	29	72	86.3	51.5	59.8	41.4	274	1/1	55-261-4.7-4; 9-27-3.0-0. 10 tackles	5'9 205		1 yr 1.25
4		Hasty-Patriots	29	70.8	72.3	65.5	85.4	60	107	0/0	20-69-3.5-0; 10-59-5.9-1	5'8 205	106.3
		Mitchell-49ers	27	70.2	71.5	52.4	43.5	70.7	172	1/12	75-281-3.7-2; 6-14-2.3-0	5'10 200		IR-Hamstring
6		Abdullah-Raiders	32	68.3	67	80.7	46.1	30.3	410	3/26	66-311-4.7-2; 40-261-6.5-3; 4 tackles	5'9 203		1yr 1.85M
		Perine-Chiefs	30	67.6	67.7	72.4	58.9	54.1	319	0/12	20-92-4.6-1; 28-322-11.5-1	5'11 236		1yr 1.5M
10		Homer-Bears	27	62.1	62.6	51.9	90.1	58.7	75	0/2	6-23-3.8-0; 3-11-3.7-0 6 tackles	5'10 202
6		Mattison-Raiders	27	61.4	62.3	62.2	41.1	58	444	7/26	132-420-3.2-4; 36-294-8.2-1	5'11 220		1yr 2M
5		Johnson-Jaguars	29	60.7	70.5	61.1	24.1	60	192	1/3	32-143-4.5-0; 12-96-8.0-0	5'10 208
	8	Ogunbowale-Texans	31	60.6	69.9	63	38.9	60	347	1/9	30-112-3.7-0; 19-198-10.4-1, 6 tackles	5'10 205
		Taylor-49ers	27	60.4	69.8	33.7	65.9	56.9	172	1/1	39-183-4.7-1; 3-25-8.3-0	6'2 217
	4	Wilson-Dolphins	29	59.2	59	52	83.7	78	71	0/16	16-57-3.6-0; 3-19-6.3-0	6'0 205
		Moss-Bengals	27	58.2	55.4	66.2	50.6	60	297	6/17	74-242-3.3-2; 23-187-8.1-1	5'10 215		2026
		Reynolds-Lions	29	57.6	58	59.8	43.3	62	99	0/2	31-139-4.5-0; 3-40-13.3-0	5'11 216
		Edwards-Helaire-FA	26	57.4	60.3	59.9	21.4		44	0/32	13-46-3.5-0; 3-24-8.0-0	5'7 207
		Gainwell-Eagles	26	56	53.1	71.9	45	46.7	338	1/4	75-290-3.9-1; 16-116-7.3-0	5'9 200
		Sermon-Colts	26	54.1	56	46.4	57.2	67.5	245	3/5	56-159-2.8-2; 16-99-6.2-0	6'0 215
2	2	Foreman-Browns	29	52.8	58.5	49	33.5	57.3	195	3/24	71-232-3.3-0; 6-54-9.0-0	6'0 235
		Herbert-Bengals	27	52	57.6	37.6	46.4	62.1	139	1/13	28-114-4.1-0; 8-21-2.6-0	5'9 212		2025

[MichaelWeston]

Some thoughts.

1-Brown is a stud

2-The need is for an RB who can spell Brown and start in a pinch.

3-This Free Agent class of RBs isn't that compelling

4-Moss and Herbert might be 2 of the best in the class. Each has done more than most of these second-tier guys.....Moss had his worst professional year with us last year. 

5-Moss saves 3.3M if cut, that's not an absurd number for a rotational RB, however his neck injury should give pause. 

6-Kiper says that he has 35 RBs with draftable grades, 18 have been drafted in each of the last 2 years

7-Evans is gone

8-Williams might be back but there might be more dynamic options that provide more from scrimmage. Simmons might love him.....it might be Brightwell. 

9-Herbert is essentially our 7th-round pick

10-Milton is interesting

11-In free agency you would want a guy who has started....

[sparky151]

Other than maybe re-signing Williams, we should skip RBs in free agency. There are no difference makers available and it's a young man's position. So let's get a powerful runner for short yardage situations to complement Chase Brown in the draft. We can get a Mullings or Monangai on day 3. We should cut Moss because of his neck and let Evans and Herbert leave. 

[MichaelWeston]

I'd be ok with taking a RB in round 5 or 6 (or 7 if we get one) but I want someone who you can count on more than a rookie in case they need to play. Some ideas

 

1. Javonte Williams-Broncos. He very well might not be available because the Broncos could want him back but he's been in and out of favor there. 

2. Cam Akers-Vikings. Cam has bounced around a bit and had some injuries but last year was productive and he can start in a pinch. Wouldn't surprise me if he's locked in as the primary backup in Minnesota again. He's only 26 which is the age we would like. 

3. Jeremy McNichols-J Mac had his best year last year after bouncing around the league for 6 years. The biggest number for me from him is 10 tackles. He might be an ideal replacement for Williams

4. JaMycal Hasty-Pass blocking score of 85.4 is very nice, he's got almost no usage but his elusive rating is fantastic. Maybe a low-risk high-reward type. Age is bad

5. Ameer Abdullah-Raiders. AA is the guy I'd go after. He's 32 which is bad, but last year was his most rushing yards since 2017 and his most completions ever. He had 4 tackles last year and 12 the year before. Was coached by our Asst OL coach in 2017 and went to Nebraska so you know that Zac would love him. Age is an obvious issue but he seems like a great complimentary piece that Burrow and Simmons would love. Also a great locker room guy. Returns both Kicks and punts and being on a rebuilding team you have to think he would like to get to a better team. 

6. Alexander Mattison fits the age range as well and has plenty of production over his career. Probably fits the mold of short term starter more comfortably than anyone else on this list. BUT he hasn't averaged more than 4 yards a carry since 2020. That's not good. 

7. Jeff Wilson - Wilson seems like maybe the biggest guy who hasn't really ever met his potential but has flashed potential in lots of stops. He is 2 years off of a 882-6td year. He's buried in Miami. 

 

My plan

1-Brown is your starter

2-Let Moss hang around until at least camp, he might be the safest backup option despite all the doubts

3-Bring back Herbert on a vet min deal

4-Sign Abdullah into the Williams role, he brings leadership and some pop to the room and can play teams. 

5-Let Williams walk

6-Milton back, he's interesting

7-Brightwell back-He's just 26, had 8 tackles on teams as  rookie, Had decent stats his sophomore year in NYG

 8-Evans walk

9-Sign 2 UDFAs reserve some money for them so we can give them a bigger contract....its a deep deep RB class and we should be able to get some solid guys here. 

10-When it's time for the 53 you got

1-Brown

2-Abdullah

3-Moss vs Herbert for the primary backup spot

4-Brightwell vs Milton vs UDFA vs UDFA for the final roster spot. 

 

 

[claptonrocks]

1 hour ago, MichaelWeston said:

I'd be ok with taking a RB in round 5 or 6 (or 7 if we get one) but I want someone who you can count on more than a rookie in case they need to play. Some ideas

 

1. Javonte Williams-Broncos. He very well might not be available because the Broncos could want him back but he's been in and out of favor there. 

2. Cam Akers-Vikings. Cam has bounced around a bit and had some injuries but last year was productive and he can start in a pinch. Wouldn't surprise me if he's locked in as the primary backup in Minnesota again. He's only 26 which is the age we would like. 

3. Jeremy McNichols-J Mac had his best year last year after bouncing around the league for 6 years. The biggest number for me from him is 10 tackles. He might be an ideal replacement for Williams

4. JaMycal Hasty-Pass blocking score of 85.4 is very nice, he's got almost no usage but his elusive rating is fantastic. Maybe a low-risk high-reward type. Age is bad

5. Ameer Abdullah-Raiders. AA is the guy I'd go after. He's 32 which is bad, but last year was his most rushing yards since 2017 and his most completions ever. He had 4 tackles last year and 12 the year before. Was coached by our Asst OL coach in 2017 and went to Nebraska so you know that Zac would love him. Age is an obvious issue but he seems like a great complimentary piece that Burrow and Simmons would love. Also a great locker room guy. Returns both Kicks and punts and being on a rebuilding team you have to think he would like to get to a better team. 

6. Alexander Mattison fits the age range as well and has plenty of production over his career. Probably fits the mold of short term starter more comfortably than anyone else on this list. BUT he hasn't averaged more than 4 yards a carry since 2020. That's not good. 

7. Jeff Wilson - Wilson seems like maybe the biggest guy who hasn't really ever met his potential but has flashed potential in lots of stops. He is 2 years off of a 882-6td year. He's buried in Miami. 

 

My plan

1-Brown is your starter

2-Let Moss hang around until at least camp, he might be the safest backup option despite all the doubts

3-Bring back Herbert on a vet min deal

4-Sign Abdullah into the Williams role, he brings leadership and some pop to the room and can play teams. 

5-Let Williams walk

6-Milton back, he's interesting

7-Brightwell back-He's just 26, had 8 tackles on teams as  rookie, Had decent stats his sophomore year in NYG

 8-Evans walk

9-Sign 2 UDFAs reserve some money for them so we can give them a bigger contract....its a deep deep RB class and we should be able to get some solid guys here. 

10-When it's time for the 53 you got

1-Brown

2-Abdullah

3-Moss vs Herbert for the primary backup spot

4-Brightwell vs Milton vs UDFA vs UDFA for the final roster spot. 

 

 

Williams should be cut...

His time is up here...😞

[|High School Harry|]

7 hours ago, claptonrocks said:

Williams should be cut...

His time is up here...😞

It was up three or more years ago.

[sparky151]

Williams is a minimum salary guy. It's fine to replace him with someone better but he has special teams value as a returner and is ok in his limited carries. He did lead the SEC in rushing and scoring his final year of college so he has a pedigree. Seems like as much as we could hope for at RB4. 

[Inigo Montoya]

Williams has done pretty much nothing to this point.  Only reason he’s considered as an option is his cheap salary.  
 

Anyhow, assuming Moss is released, I would think we’ll see 3 new players in the mix at RB.  A free agent or two and a Day 3 pick would make sense to me.  

[claptonrocks]

4 hours ago, Inigo Montoya said:

Williams has done pretty much nothing to this point.  Only reason he’s considered as an option is his cheap salary.  
 

Anyhow, assuming Moss is released, I would think we’ll see 3 new players in the mix at RB.  A free agent or two and a Day 3 pick would make sense to me.  

Let's get Kareem Hunt..😎.

lil bulldozer ...

[MichaelWeston]

Raheem Mostert is being released.......He moves to the head of the class for us. Would be a great 2nd back. 

[Dautcom08]

33 minutes ago, MichaelWeston said:

Raheem Mostert is being released.......He moves to the head of the class for us. Would be a great 2nd back. 

 

For what, 5 games of healthiness?

[MichaelWeston]

3 minutes ago, Dautcom08 said:

 

For what, 5 games of healthiness?

Last 3 years he has 13-16 and 15. 8-10 is perfectly fine for someone of his level and what we would want him for. At his age you'd want a younger player nipping at his heels anyway. You sign him and pair him with Abdullah and Brown and you are cozy for the year then your 4th back is a UDFA or Milton and you keep 1 or 2 similar guys on the practice squad. 

[MichaelWeston]

Here is Mostert in 2023. He was playing with a broken Sternum in 2024

 

 

[spicoli]

Not gonna lie....I kinda low key want Najee Harris to pair with Brown if he gets released.

Could be a nice 1-2 punch.

[|BlackJesus|]

RBs are probably the easiest position to draft. It makes sense to take one every year in the mid rounds and ride them heavy in their first cheap contract. 

[MichaelWeston]

I'm doing my mock offseason writeup and I want some thoughts. 

 

There is a part of me that wants to keep Moss

There is a part of me that wants to keep Herbert

100% of me wants to add Amir Abdullah

Then I want to load up on UDFAs. 

 

I'm most stuck on Moss and/or Herbert. Moss might be the best #2 option if anything happened to Brown. 

[T-Dub]

51 minutes ago, MichaelWeston said:

I'm doing my mock offseason writeup and I want some thoughts. 

 

There is a part of me that wants to keep Moss

There is a part of me that wants to keep Herbert

100% of me wants to add Amir Abdullah

Then I want to load up on UDFAs. 

 

I'm most stuck on Moss and/or Herbert. Moss might be the best #2 option if anything happened to Brown. 

 

 

You really want them to pay Moss $5M to be the #2 back in one of the most pass-happy offenses in the NFL?

 

They wrote an "out" into his contract for this exact scenario.  They should use it.

[MichaelWeston]

42 minutes ago, T-Dub said:

 

 

You really want them to pay Moss $5M to be the #2 back in one of the most pass-happy offenses in the NFL?

 

They wrote an "out" into his contract for this exact scenario.  They should use it.

The Moss decision is really only around 3.3M. The rest is spent. You should use it if you can upgrade. 

[T-Dub]

38 minutes ago, MichaelWeston said:

The Moss decision is really only around 3.3M. The rest is spent. You should use it if you can upgrade. 

 

That's $3,3M that could be going to someone that will make a difference.  Volson, McPherson, Cappa, Hubbard, Stone..  They've got a lot of money tied up right now in some really marginal talent. 

[sparky151]

4 hours ago, MichaelWeston said:

I'm doing my mock offseason writeup and I want some thoughts. 

 

There is a part of me that wants to keep Moss

There is a part of me that wants to keep Herbert

100% of me wants to add Amir Abdullah

Then I want to load up on UDFAs. 

 

I'm most stuck on Moss and/or Herbert. Moss might be the best #2 option if anything happened to Brown. 

 

I think you're aiming too low. We should certainly move on from Moss. A neck injury can be career ending for a RB. Herbert didn't show anything in his brief time here that warrants keeping him. I think we can re-sign Trayveon Williams to a minimum benefit deal that counts less on the cap. He's adequate for an RB4 and can play teams. But we need a guy who can convert short yardage and goal line situations reliably. We could also use a RB2 to keep Brown fresh. Jaylen Warren or JK Dobbins would be good choices. They are productive but used to playing in committees. Neither, especially Dobbins will be expensive. I wouldn't be surprised if he cost less than Moss but he's certainly a better player. 

[sparky151]

2 hours ago, T-Dub said:

 

That's $3,3M that could be going to someone that will make a difference.  Volson, McPherson, Cappa, Hubbard, Stone..  They've got a lot of money tied up right now in some really marginal talent. 

 

Er, you want to cut McPherson? 

[T-Dub]

9 minutes ago, sparky151 said:

 

Er, you want to cut McPherson? 

 

I sure don't want to pay him $3-4M per for the next 3 years after what I saw last season. Maybe he bounces back & maybe he doesn't -  I'm not asking Burrow & Chase to hold the elevator for a place kicker.

[MichaelWeston]

40 minutes ago, sparky151 said:

 

I think you're aiming too low. We should certainly move on from Moss. A neck injury can be career ending for a RB. Herbert didn't show anything in his brief time here that warrants keeping him. I think we can re-sign Trayveon Williams to a minimum benefit deal that counts less on the cap. He's adequate for an RB4 and can play teams. But we need a guy who can convert short yardage and goal line situations reliably. We could also use a RB2 to keep Brown fresh. Jaylen Warren or JK Dobbins would be good choices. They are productive but used to playing in committees. Neither, especially Dobbins will be expensive. I wouldn't be surprised if he cost less than Moss but he's certainly a better player. 

 

While I would be interested in both, Warren is going to be tendered by the Stealers and I would assume the Chargers would want Dobbins back? Dobbins and Javonte Williams would both be good. but I assume they are paid a decent amount. If not they move to the head of the list for me. 

[Hooky]

On 2/19/2025 at 10:11 PM, BlackJesus said:

RBs are probably the easiest position to draft. It makes sense to take one every year in the mid rounds and ride them heavy in their first cheap contract. 

An RB like that would have success. All pro RBs are athletic and fast enough. And with our passing threat, the run game should flourish more. It really just comes down to offensive line and scheme. That's why so many high profile skill player FAs go somewhere else and bust.