NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Running back is one of the biggest needs on the Saints roster. The team could look to free agency to fill holes at the position where the market looks robust. Here are our top five options available. <\/p>\n
1.) Travis Etienne, Jacksonville<\/p>\n
Etienne is a Louisiana native who\u2019s been incredibly productive during his four-year career in Jacksonville. In three of those four seasons, Etienne surpassed 1000 rushing yards. He also contributes in the passing game. Last season, Etienne had a career high in receiving touchdowns (6). He\u2019s also been incredibly durable with one missed game during that time span. <\/p>\n
Despite that consistent resume\u2019 Etienne may be obtained at a pretty reasonable cost. Spotrac estimates Etienne\u2019s market value to be just under $7million a season. <\/p>\n
2.) Rashaad White, Tampa Bay<\/p>\n
Saints fans should be very familiar with White. He\u2019s spent his entire career in the NFC South with the Bucs. White may not be a lead back, but he can be effective #2 as a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield. <\/p>\n
While White\u2019s stats may not wow anyone, his price tag is very reasonable. Spotrac estimates his value at $2.96 million a season.<\/p>\n
3.) Rico Dowdle, Carolina<\/p>\n
Dowdle is another NFC South product coming off back-to-back 1000-yard seasons. Dowdle has been pretty open about wanting more opportunity wherever he signs next. The Saints could be that team and weaken last year\u2019s division champ in the process. <\/p>\n
Spotrac estimates Dowdle\u2019s market value at $6.5 million per season. <\/p>\n
4.) Kenneth Walker III, Seattle<\/p>\n
Walker saved his best performance on the biggest stage when he was named Super Bowl MVP with Seattle\u2019s win over New England. <\/p>\n
Despite splitting carries with Zach Charbonnet most of the season, Walker still rushed for 1027 yards this season.<\/p>\n
Super Bowl MVPs tend to get overpaid on the open market. Walker\u2019s estimated value is at $9 million a season, per spotrac. <\/p>\n
5.) Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh<\/p>\n
Gainwell\u2019s rushing stats are good but they don\u2019t necessarily stand out. Where Walker shines is in the passing part of the game. Aaron Rodgers used him often in Pittsburgh through the air where he caught 73 passes. Before playing with the Steelers, Gainwell spent four seasons in Philadelphia. During his last season there, his offensive coordinator was current Saints head coach Kellen Moore. <\/p>\n
Spotrac estimates Gainwell\u2019s market value to be at $2.9 million a season. <\/p>\n
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