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Four RBs the Eagles could pair with Miles Sanders in free agency

By Victor Williams
January 16, 2021
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The Eagles didn’t do a lot of things right this season, but one thing was certain: the team was most effective when they ran the football. Miles Sanders trailed only Nick Chubb in yards per carry for much of the season, finishing the year averaging 5.3 yards/attempt. Doug Pederson didn’t seem to perceive this, however, as Sanders was ranked 21st in rushing attempts this season. To add context, Sanders ended the year with just five more carries than Lamar Jackson.

The moral of the story, Sanders was criminally underutilized and is one of many reasons why the offense struggled this season. Moving forward, it’ll benefit the Eagles greatly to not only get Sanders more involved but to get another back in here that can complement his skill set.

Boston Scott was the team’s second-leading rusher with 374 yards with Jalen Hurts just 20 yards behind him. Pending whatever money the Eagles can scrape together this offseason, here are four upcoming free-agents that the team could pair with Sanders to get the most out of their running game next season:

Jamaal Williams

Williams has been reliable for Green Bay for the last four years, both in primary and secondary roles. He’s a do-it-all back that can pound the football when necessary in addition to being a receiving threat out of the backfield. With the Packers drafting AJ Dillon in last year’s draft, it’s doubtful that Williams is brought back next season.

Williams has had at least 460 rushing yards and 200 receiving yards in all four seasons, spending the majority of his time as Aaron Jones’ backup (who will also be a free agent after the year). If Sanders were to ever go down at any point, Williams is the perfect well-rounded back to carry the workload in the meantime.

Mike Davis

Davis had a productive year for Carolina in McCaffrey’s absence, finishing with career-highs in multiple categories:

  • Carries: 165
  • Rushing yards: 642
  • Rushing TDs: 6
  • Receptions: 59
  • Receiving yards: 373
  • Receiving TDs: 2

Davis has great balance and his physicality would complement Sanders’ elusiveness well. He certainly proved that he could start elsewhere; but if he doesn’t get the RB1 money he’s looking for, a Sanders/Davis pairing has the potential to be pretty lethal. Davis finished the year as one of four Panthers with 1,000+ scrimmage yards along with Robby Anderson, Curtis Samuel, and DJ Moore.

Marlon Mack

Mack had an explosive two-year run prior to tearing his Achilles two quarters into the 2020 season. With emerging rookie Jonathan Taylor closing out the season strong, Colts GM Chris Ballard has alluded to Mack not being with Indianapolis in the future. Over the last two seasons, Mack has rushed for 2000 yards, 17 TDs and has only fumbled the ball twice. If the market for his services dries up on him, the Eagles could grab the 24-year-old on a one-year deal to prove his worth.

Tevin Coleman

The Eagles had rumored interest in Coleman during free agency two years ago, so they may revisit him here. Coleman is coming off an injury-riddled season with the 49ers but is a solid offensive weapon when healthy. Last season aside, Coleman has had at least 700 scrimmage yards in each of the 4 seasons prior; most notably in tandem with Devonta Freeman during his time in Atlanta.

Mandatory Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
TagsEaglesEagles Free AgencyEagles NewsEagles Podcasteagles updatesJamaal WilliamsMarlon MackMike DavisMiles SandersTevin Coleman
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Victor Williams

Victor Williams is the host and producer of The Philly Pod and one of the co-founders of The Liberty Line. Well known for his social media presence and unique takes on the landscape of Philadelphia sports, Victor takes pride in engaging with the fanbase in ways not too often seen from today's sports personalities. He also provides Eagles coverage for Fox Sports Radio: The Gambler 102.5 FM.

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