Veteran running backs are not finding news homes with ease this offseason, but that might be changing soon.
According to the New York Daily News, the New York Jets, New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are all in the hunt for former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew.
Those three teams are all expected to meet with Jones-Drew’s camp at the league meetings in Orlando this week. The veteran back visited the Jets two weeks ago and met with the Steelers last week, but left both meetings without signing a contract. The Patriots are seeking a replacement for LeGarrette Blount, who also hit free agency this offseason.
Jones-Drew, 29, is seeking $3.5 million per year, per CBS Sports, but the New York Daily News suggests that number may be higher than what he is actually looking for.
The report also names the Miami Dolphins as a team interested in Jones-Drew, but according to the Miami Herald, the team has not spoken with him. The team previously hosted another veteran running back, Knowshon Moreno, last week.
Dolphins have not talked to Maurice Jones-Drew about a visit or his desire to play in Miami, much less a contract. So if that’s interest …
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) March 24, 2014
The St. Louis Rams quickly emerged as a suitor once the Jets released Mark Sanchez Monday. As did the Philadelphia Eagles.
The team just a few hours south down I-95 is “definitely interested” in Sanchez, but is doing its due diligence on his shoulder injury. The Jets cut Sanchez with a “failed physical” designation, which means he is not healthy enough to play today. The quarterback missed all of 2013 with a should injury he suffered during the preseason.
Sanchez “failed physical” termination w Jets was protocol. Won’t affect next step – signing with Eagles. He’s on good recovery from surgery
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 24, 2014
Per source, Eagles are definitely interested in Mark Sanchez, but the team wants to learn more about his injured shoulder before proceeding.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 24, 2014
Sanchez would be a backup to embedded starter Nick Foles, and would join fellow USC alum Matt Barkley with the Eagles.
As for the Rams: coach Jeff Fisher confirmed interest in Sanchez over the weekend, but the St. Louis Dispatch calls it tepid as best. Per the report, the Rams aren’t spending much this offseason and won’t pay Sanchez $9 million to back up Sam Bradford. The team is more interested is free agent Shaun Hill to be the backup.
