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With free agency approaching (March 14), we're analyzing each position on the New York Jets' roster and examining possible upgrades: Position: Running back 2018 cap hits of top returnees:
Bilal Powell -- $4.9 million Matt Forte -- $4.0 million Elijah McGuire -- $597,000 Lawrence Thomas (FB) -- $555,000
Pending free agents: None Key stat: The running backs didn't get it done in crunch time in 2017, as the Jets finished 23rd in fourth-quarter rushing (3.2 yards per attempt). That's one of the reasons they struggled to hold leads.  Money matters: Powell and Forte are ranked 13th and 19th, respectively, in cap charges among running backs, according to ESPN Stats & Information. This means the Jets have too much money invested in the position, based on the production. Forte, 32, plagued by a chronic knee problem, likely will be released in the coming weeks. From a cap standpoint, it will be relatively painless. The move will create $3 million in cap space, with only a $1 million "dead" charge.
Big picture: The Jets need to get younger in the backfield. Powell delivered one of his best years, setting career highs in carries (178), yards (772) and rushing touchdowns (5), but he turns 30 during the season. He led the league with four runs of 40-plus yards (bet you didn't know that), but he has reached the age when running backs start their inevitable decline. McGuire's rookie year was somewhat disappointing. He made one great play -- a 69-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars -- but he averaged only 2.8 yards per attempt on the rest of his carries in 2017. His problem was a lack of decisiveness. McGuire averaged 3.25 seconds behind the line of scrimmage, second-worst among qualified running backs, according to the NFL's Next Gen Stats. Still, the Jets believe McGuire can improve. Free-agent market watch: Le'Veon Bell, Dion Lewis, Carlos Hyde, Frank Gore, Isaiah Crowell, LeGarrette Blount, Jerick McKinnon, Jeremy Hill and Rex Burkhead. Also could become available: Chris Ivory, Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, Adrian Peterson, DeMarco Murray and Latavius Murray. The game plan: Coach Todd Bowles likes to go three deep, so he'll need a replacement for Forte. The ideal guy would be Penn State's Saquon Barkley, but there's little chance of him slipping to the Jets (sixth pick). It wouldn't be a surprise if they sign a mid-level free agent, then add a running back in the draft. It's a deep draft for backs. Let's be clear: There's only one franchise-caliber runner in free agency -- Bell. Presumably, the Jets won't cough up $100 million to sign him. Kidding aside, he will sign a long-term deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers or get tagged. Other than Bell, the most coveted backs will be Crowell and Hyde, both of whom are hitting free agency for the first time. Scheme fit will be an important consideration. The Jets will employ a zone-based scheme under new coordinator Jeremy Bates -- the "stretch" play will be a staple -- so they'll need a runner with cutback ability. Hyde played in a similar system with the San Francisco 49ers, but he averaged only 3.9 yards per carry last season. Crowell and McKinnon would be better fits from a scheme standpoint. Hill's career has gone south after an impressive rookie year, but he'd be an interesting reclamation project on a one-year, prove-it deal. It would be a surprise if the Jets dole out a top-of-the-market contract, as general manager Mike Maccagnan has yet to pay more than $4 million per year for a back.
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