Top Free Agents: Blount, Murray, Lacy atop weak crop of running backs

With free agents able to officially sign at 4 p.m. ET on March 9, theScore takes a look at the top available players at each position.

Top free agents by position

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers
• Tight Ends
• Offensive Linemen
• Edge Rushers
• Defensive Linemen
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks/Safeties

Running Backs

Le'Veon Bell

Age: 24 Height: 6'1" Weight: 225 lbs.

2016 stats: 1,268 rushing yards, 7 TDs, 75 catches, 616 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 4 FUM

There's no chance Bell will hit free agency. He will be getting the franchise tag from the Steelers if the two sides can't work out a long-term contract.

Potential landing spots: Steelers

LeGarrette Blount

Age: 30 Height: 6'0" Weight: 250 lbs.

2016 stats: 1,161 rushing yards, 18 TDs, 7 catches, 38 receiving yards, 2 FUM

Blount's 18 rushing touchdowns led the NFL in 2016, but his 3.9 yards per carry average leaves an awful lot to be desired. There are legitimate concerns about whether Blount can only succeed in the Patriots' offense, or at least on a team with a potent passing attack and strong locker-room culture. That eliminates most of the teams in the league, frankly. Re-signing could be best for both sides.

Potential landing spots: Patriots, Panthers, Giants

Latavius Murray

Age: 27 Height: 6'3" Weight: 230 lbs.

2016 stats: 788 rushing yards, 12 TDs, 33 catches, 264 receiving yards, 2 FUM

A dozen touchdowns is nothing to sneeze at, but it's difficult to shake the notion that Murray should be far more efficient and productive considering his physical gifts. He's the closest thing to a feature back available in free agency, but why would teams commit big money (or even medium money) to a player like Murray when they could simply draft and start a rookie from what appears to be a strong class of incoming runners?

Potential landing spots: Panthers, Vikings, Buccaneers, Giants

Eddie Lacy

Age: 26 Height: 5'11" Weight: 234 lbs.

2016 stats: 360 rushing yards, 4 catches, 28 receiving yards

What kind of deal Lacy gets in free agency could depend on how close he is to his listed weight of 234 pounds. At times in 2015, his last healthy season, Lacy reportedly played in the 260-pound range. An ankle injury, not weight concerns, cut Lacy's 2016 season to five games. Lacy was a difference-making player early in his career, but it's been years since we've seen that player. He better be in the gym right now busting his butt if he wants anything more than a one-year "prove-it" deal.

Potential landing spots: Vikings, Lions, Eagles

Danny Woodhead

Age: 32 Height: 5'8" Weight: 200 lbs.

2016 stats: 116 rushing yards, 6 catches, 35 receiving yards

At age 32 and coming off a torn ACL that ended his 2016 season after two games, Woodhead will almost certainly have to settle for a short-term deal.

Potential landing spots: Chargers, Colts

Jacquizz Rodgers

Age: 27 Height: 5'6" Weight: 210 lbs.

2016 stats: 560 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 13 catches, 98 receiving yards

A case can be made that the diminutive Rodgers was the Buccaneers' best running back in 2016, topping both Doug Martin and Charles Sims. He's not a player any team will want to plan on starting, but he can be a useful depth piece.

Potential landing spots: Buccaneers, 49ers, Cardinals

Other notable free-agent RBs

• Isaiah Crowell (RFA)
• Mike Gillislee (RFA)
• Chris Thompson (RFA)
• DeAngelo Williams
• Andre Ellington
• Darren McFadden
• Rex Burkhead
• Christine Michael

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)