Kevin Jones
Ahman Green, FA - Green, a former four time Pro Bowler went from stud RB in Green Bay to fumbling through a couple of injury-marred seasons for the Houston Texans. He was released back in February, when it became clear rookie Steve Slaton would be their permanent go to running back. Green found himself in St. Louis this week auditioning for a job to back up 2007 Pro Bowler, Steven Jackson who has had an injury-plagued career so far. The Rams back up options are Antonio Pittman, Samkon Gado and Kenneth Darby; none of which will strike fear into opposing defenses. This could be a good move both for the Rams and Green, if they take a flier on him.
Edgerrin James, FA - Edge swears he still has gas in the tank, and he's just waiting for someone to let him show he's still got the ability to go with the drive. According to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, his client is "in great shape" and "we expect his market to develop soon." Soon being code for an injury somewhere. UPDATE: Well it happened, a set of old bones got a deal to step back into the limelight one more time. The Edge signed with Seattle (not Warrick Dunn as thought). This may mean T.J. Duckett is on his way out. I'm not sure how James helps the team much, but he's got 7 more 1000+ rushing seasons under his belt than Julius Jones has.
Shaun Alexander
Warrick Dunn, FA - Speaking of the Seahawks, they are one of two teams (the other being the Philadelphia Eagles) who have reached out to Dunn. Julius Jones has not grasped his second opportunity to be the featured back since last season's arrival in the Pacific Northwest, and back-up T.J. Duckett is nothing more than a move-the-pile, goal line back. A slot here could prove to be a fantasy windfall for opportune owners who grab him at the right time. I see Philly as less of an opportunity largely due to the presence of rookie LeSean McCoy. But at least teams are contacting Dunn and that means he could have a fantasy impact somewhere.
Of these five, Jones, Dunn and Green have the most viable chance to surprise in 2009, but keep all of them on your radar. At least one of them is likely to get a chance at fantasy value sometime, somewhere this season.
