Top Free Agents: DeMarco Murray the lone star in running back class

With free agency just around the corner, theScore takes a look at the top available players at each position. Unrestricted free agents can officially sign at 4 p.m. ET on March 10.

Top Free Agents By Position
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards/Centers
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Ends
Linebackers
Cornerbacks/Safeties

Running Backs

DeMarco Murray

Height: 6-0
Weight: 217 lbs.
Age: 27

2014 stats: 1,845 yards rushing, 13 TDs, 57 receptions, 416 yards receiving

Murray was a monster in 2014, carrying the overachieving Cowboys' offense for much of the season en route to Offensive Player of the Year honors. The Cowboys reportedly want their star tailback back, but are hesitant to pay top dollar after the free agent running-backs market bottomed out last offseason. They may not be alone in viewing Murray as a depreciating asset. Murray touched the ball a staggering 497 times in 2014 (including playoffs) and history is littered with running backs who produced one huge season and never sniffed that level of production again. 

Potential landing spots: Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars

Mark Ingram

Height: 5-9
Weight: 215 lbs.
Age: 25

2014 stats: 964 yards rushing, 9 TDs, 29 receptions, 145 yards receiving

Ingram finally came into his own in the last year of his rookie deal. Whether it was because he finally got healthy or he finally got hungry with free agency around the corner will be a tricky question for teams to answer. If Ingram stays healthy and runs as hot as he did in 2014 for years to come, he could be a tremendous bargain for a team in need of a ground-and-pound runner.

Potential landing spots: Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars

C.J. Spiller

Height: 5-11
Weight: 200 lbs.
Age: 27

2014 stats: 300 yards rushing, 19 receptions, 125 yards receiving

Spiller doesn't have the consistent production of some of those below him on this list, but his age and upside make him a more attractive free-agent target for teams that like to take big swings. It's fading from memory, but Spiller's magical 2012 campaign – he rushed for six yards per carry and topped 1,200 yards – proved he can be a game-changer. Since 2012, he's battled injuries and rarely looked like the same dynamic player. A 50-50 split in a timeshare with the potential to carve out more carries should be what Spiller seeks. 

Potential landing spots: New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens

Justin Forsett

Height: 5-8
Weight: 197 lbs.
Age: 29

2014 stats: 1,266 yards rushing, 8 TDs, 44 receptions, 263 yards receiving

Very rarely does a 28-year-old player burst onto the scene in the NFL, but that's precisely what Forsett did in shocking fashion after signing with the Baltimore Ravens and ascending the depth chart following Ray Rice's suspension. The journeyman backup more than doubled his previous three seasons' rushing totals combined, proved a valuable asset as a receiver and scored as many touchdowns as he had in his entire seven-year career. Though he's no longer a young man, the lack of wear on his tires should boost his market value. 

Potential landing spots: Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Denver Broncos

Frank Gore

Height: 5-9
Weight: 217 lbs.
Age: 31

2014 stats: 1,106 yards rushing, 4 TDs, 11 receptions, 111 yards receiving, TD

Among the most under-appreciated players over the past decade, Gore hits free agency on the wrong side of 30. Though he topped 1,000 yards for the eighth time in nine years, Gore seemed to slow down in 2014 and it's likely the end is very near for him. A cheap, one-year deal on a contender might be the best he can get. 

Potential landing spots: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals

Ryan Mathews

Height: 6-0
Weight: 220 lbs.
Age: 27

2014 stats: 330 yards rushing, 3 TDs, nine receptions, 69 yards receiving

Mathews' problem throughout his career has been durability. He simply can't stay healthy and likely won't convince a team to make him its featured back in free agency. Look for him to sign as the 1B option for a team with a young, unproven 1A rusher.

Potential landing spots: San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans

Shane Vereen

Height: 5-10
Weight: 205 lbs.
Age: 25

2014 stats: 391 yards rushing, 2 TDs, 52 receptions, 447 yards, 3 TDs

Vereen boosted his value with an excellent performance in the Super Bowl. He's the ideal third-down complement for a team with an established back who grinds out yardage on early downs. 

Potential landing spots: New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos

Other notable free-agent running backs

• Reggie Bush
• Knowshon Moreno
• Pierre Thomas
• Darren McFadden
• Stevan Ridley
• Roy Helu
• Ahmad Bradshaw
• Jacquizz Rodgers
• Steven Jackson