If our running backs are healthy, there are going nowhere. There is always room for another running back, either a multi-purpose back like Spiller or a short-yardage back. But if we are looking at 2010, there is little reason to fire one of our four options. Folks say that they are old. Three are old, two are young. So what! But we do NOT need all of them to perform well.
My bottom line is that Maroney, Taylor and Faulk are fine. However, I would welcome upgrades over Morris and Green-Ellis.
MARONEY
Maroney is going nowhere. That is the reality of running a business in the nfl. He is inexpensive and is a reasonable back. Personally, I think he is as good as Addai. He gains plently of yards per carry if he is given the ball 20 times. Maroney is in the last year of his rookie contract and will finish the year.
TAYLOR
He was signed for two years. He performed fine when he played. He was injured. I see no reason to cut him now.
MORRIS
He is the most likely of the four to go. He doesn't seem to be physically able to be the blocking back and short yardage runner. When he's healthy, he is an asset. If we can find better, Morris will be gone, but his salary is only $900K.
FAULK
He will re-sign and continue to play a significant role in our offense.
BEN-ELLIS
I don't know why he is here except as an emergency back. However, I understand the team using a roster spot for such a position. I would prefere a running back with more of a role for this roster spot: a returner, a short-yardage back, or a fullback.