Tennessee Titans Free Agent Interests: RB Ahmad Bradhsaw
By Josh Gunnels
Dec 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) breaks off big run against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 42-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Ahmad Bradshaw was release by the NY Giants in an attempt to free up cap space during the week after the Super Bowl. The Tennessee Titans should look long and hard at picking him up this off season, as he is now an Unrestricted Free Agent and up for grabs by anyone. The decision was made a bit easier for the Giants by the play of rookie David Wilson this year as well.
Bradhsaw could be a perfect complementary back to Chris Johnson. He’s a one-cut-and-go type of runner, that hits holes hard and runs downhill. He’s not a huge back in stature at 5′-10″ and 214 lbs, but he’s big enough and strong enough to move the pile an extra yard when needed. Chris Johnson and the Titans need another competent back for short yardage situations and in order to give CJ a break here and there.
Javon Ringer was supposed to be that back but never could stay healthy. Jamie Harper fizzled out after a strong preseason while CJ held out two years ago. As it stands, the Tennessee Titans basically have no one behind CJ, which was surely a contributing factor in retaining him for 2013 at a $10M salary.
Bradshaw was the Giants leading rusher for 3 of the past four years. His chronic foot injury had kept him from practicing during the week and suppossedly playing at full speed on Sundays. Recently he had the screw in his foot replaced with a larger one and will need 10 weeks to heal according to doctors. While this sounds troublesome for a running back, he also played with this same screw in his foot while becoming PFF highest ranked FA RB.
Bradshaw is a veteran that could be dependable in pass protection as well, which is where many of the rookie running backs struggle. The Titans would be wise to take a hard look at Bradshaw once he heals up. The risk is too great to count on someone still coming off foot surgery, and if another team is willing to do that early on, then so be it. Odds are he’ll be looking for a team and working out during OTA’s this summer. He’s still only 26 and could probably be gotten on the cheap due to his off season surgery. I for one would be happy to see him change the color of blue on his jersey.
Good, Bad, Indifferent? Let me know.