1. Running back Charles Sims
Now most of you probably were thinking that Doug Martin would be the running back who would be released, but Jason Licht appeared on Good Morning Football on the NFL Network and spoke highly about Martin’s off season workouts. Martin has missed 23 games in his five year career only playing in two full season. However, he has played in 71% of his career games (57 of 80). With a total of 1012 carries 4227 yards rushing and 23 touchdown including finishing second in rushing in 2015, and has 121 receptions for 1007 yards and two touchdowns.
Charles Sims on the other hand, has only played one full season during his three year career playing in only 64% of his career games (31 of 48). Sims has not proved to be much of a rusher with a total of 224 carries for 863 yards (3.9/car) and two touchdown, but is a much better threat in the receiving game with 94 receptions for 941 yards and five touchdowns. With the drafting of Jeremy McNichols, who missed only one game in his college career and proved to be a good rusher -scoring 23 touchdowns last season – but also possesses great hands as a receiving threat. Being that he can stay healthy, can catch passes out of the backfield, and can also do something Sims cannot – running between the tackles – he will most likely take Sims’ role in the backfield. Meaning that Jacquizz Rodgers will start, McNichols will play Sims’ role, and Peyton Barber will be the third back until Martin’s suspension is over.
When Martin is healthy he has been one of the best running backs in the league finishing second in rushing in 2015. After his suspension for the first three games of the season and with all of his guaranteed money voided he will most likely be given one more season to prove himself. Martin will have one more year to prove he can stay healthy and be a top back or he may be released at the end of the season as well.