DeAngelo Williams is coming off his worst season due to injuries, which have plagued him for much of his career. When he's healthy, he's one of the game's most explosive backs, totaling 3,005 yards from scrimmage and 27 touchdowns in 2008 and 2009. Yet, he's only managed to play 16 games once in his five-year career.
Jason Snelling has been very reliable during the last two seasons when filling in for Michael Turner in Atlanta -- surpassing 60 yards seven times, including games with 147 and 129 yards. Snelling runs hard, and he's a good third-down back, evidenced by his 44 receptions in 2010. He could be had for fairly cheap money, and with an opportunity to split carries, he could break out.
Pierre Thomas has been serviceable in four seasons with the Saints, although his 2010 campaign was derailed by a string of injuries. He's talented, and the Patriots were reportedly interested in acquiring him early last season. Thomas' best two seasons came in 2008 and 2009 when he totaled 1,418 rushing yards, 58 receptions, 586 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. As a threat through the air, Thomas would fit well with the Patriots, but because he's always played in a passing offense, it's tough to gauge his true potential on the ground.
Former Auburn teammates Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams are free agents. Brown has more potential to be a first-stringer than Williams, but it's amazing how fast they've fallen after they were both taken in the top five of the 2005 draft.
