The Arian Foster Era is over. The Houston Texans released their all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns Thursday. Foster spent seven years with the Texans, and replacing Foster won't be easy. The Texans saved over $6 million by cutting the injury-prone Foster, but it opened up a need at running back.
Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk shared the backfield for Houston last season and the results weren't great. The trio can be easily upgraded and the Texans should do just that. Plus, Polk is a free agent and might not return. There are several players for the Texans to pursue this offseason, in both free agency and the draft. With that in mind, here are 5 Players The Texans Could Target To Replace Arian Foster.
5. Chris Ivory
Ivory played for the New York Jets last season, and he played well. He's just 27 years old, meaning he's young enough to justify signing. Ivory would be a good fit in Houston, but he'd be a two-down back. The Texans would need someone to come in on third downs, whether that be another free agent, Grimes, or a draft pick.
4. Alfred Morris
Morris is unlikely to return to the Washington Redskins, and like Ivory, he's just 27 years old. He'd likely be a cheap option and he'd fit the Texans offense. Remember, Morris is not far removed from a pair of 1,200-yard seasons. The addition of Morris wouldn't preclude the tea from adding someone in the draft either.
3. Jordan Howard
With Foster gone, why not draft a player that is already being compared to Foster? Howard spent his final season at Indiana after transferring from UAB after that program shut down. He had a strong season at Indiana, where he often carried the offense. He's not as sharp in the passing game as Foster and there are health concerns, but he has the ability to be a feature back.
2. Lamar Miller
With Doug Martin unlikely to leave Tampa Bay, Miller is the clear No. 1 running back in free agency. He's just 24 years old and has fresh legs since the Dolphins failed to give him the ball enough. Miller would fit in Houston and if they're willing to pay him, Miller could join the Texans. For more Texans news and rumors, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
1. Ezekiel Elliott
With Foster gone, Elliott seems like the best replacement. He dominated at Ohio State and is the clear-cut No. 1 back in the draft. He still needs work on third down, but Elliott will be a day one starter. With NFL teams placing less emphasis on drafting RBs early, Elliott could be on the board when the team is on the clock at No. 22 overall. If that's the case, the Texans should make Elliott their pick.
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