5 cheap free agent running backs the Buccaneers could sign
By Rob Leeds
If the Buccaneers need depth at third-down back, which is currently where the most significant deficiency lies, they should look no further than Bilal Powell. Powell was one of the Jets’ primary third-down options for the better part of a decade, and his ability as a runner was also underrated.
Throughout his nine-year career in New York, Powell had 3,675 rushing yards, 1,600 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns. The Bucs wouldn’t have to give Powell a massive number of touches, but his efficiency speaks for itself.
Powell was never able to jump off of the stat sheet, but he averaged 4.9 yards a touch, which plays out very well for a receiving back.
Powell could bring something similar to LeSean McCoy on the third-down front, and his ability as a runner could help spell Ronald Jones and Ke’Shawn Vaughn on occasion as well.
Powell hasn’t played a snap yet this season and could be hard to convince to come all the way to Tampa Bay. However, there is a chance that Powell still has the ability to be a successful NFL back, especially since he is leaving the largely inept Jets franchise to join the offensively dominant Buccaneer team.
It is no secret that Tom Brady relies heavily on passes to the running backs, and Powell could see a resurgence later on in his career despite his age, and his price tag would fit perfectly with Tampa Bay.