3 backup running backs the Philadelphia Eagles should target in FA

Nov 19, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Carlos Hyde (30) runs the ball against Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (32) during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Carlos Hyde (30) runs the ball against Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (32) during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last offseason, backup running back was a position of need that was identified pretty routinely when talking about the Philadelphia Eagles. They reportedly had minor talks of signing a veteran free agent, or even drafting someone like J.K. Dobbins in the second round, but ultimately passed on the opportunity to bring in a serviceable RB2.

Howie Roseman decided to roll with Miles Sanders as his feature back, with the likes of Boston Scott and Corey Clement backing him up in the rotation.

The Philadelphia Eagles need to land a proper RB2 this spring.

This decision ended up being a fairly large mistake, as Sanders was unable to stay healthy and in shape when tasked with RB1 duties, really highlighting the need for a “2019 Jordan Howard” type runner behind him. While funds are definitely going to be tight this offseason, the Eagles need to learn from their mistake last spring, landing themselves a solid RB2 this offseason:

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Carlos Hyde

2020 Team: Seattle Seahawks

One of the veterans who the Philadelphia Eagles were actually pretty intensely linked to last offseason, Carlos Hyde ultimately got himself a bigger offer from the Seahawks in free agency. Unfortunately for Hyde, his tenure in Seattle didn’t exactly pan out, as he missed six games due to injury, only logging 81 carries on the season.

For Philly, Hyde’s lack of production in 2020 actually makes their lives quite a bit easier. The seven-year veteran should have a small market this offseason, and the Eagles could sell him on the idea that he’d be a feature back alongside Sanders.

Hyde is a powerful, downhill runner who has averaged 4.4 yards per carry over the last two seasons combined. His change of pace would compliment a speedier Sanders quite perfectly, and would give Nick Sirianni a genuine goal line back.

Hyde is someone the Eagles really should have landed last year – there’s still time to right that wrong.