Free agent running back Jay Ajayi could be game-ready as soon as next week, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Ajayi lost the bulk of his 2018 season to an ACL tear, but is apparently feeling spry enough to get back on the field.
Before his injury-shortened 2018, Ajayi turned in a pair of fine campaigns. In 2016, he earned his first career Pro Bowl nod as he averaged 4.9 yards per carry for the Dolphins. In 2017, a mid-season trade sent him to the Eagles, where he averaged 5.8 yards per tote off of 70 tries and captured his first ever Super Bowl ring.
In theory, Ajayi could be a solution for the Giants, who are in need of reinforcements after losing star Saquon Barkley to a high-ankle sprain. The Chiefs, not long ago, also profiled as a fit for Ajayi, though the re-emergence of LeSean McCoy probably has them covered in the wake of Damien Williams‘ injury.
The advanced metrics indicate that Ajayi is among the league’s better running backs when healthy so he could provide a major midseason boost to any club in need of ground game help.
Rams? Gurley is clearly done.
Steelers?
I don’t see the need, and after acquiring Vannett I’m not sure they have the cap space. Conner is struggling but they’ve barely used the backups they have in Samuels and Snell, and they supposedly like both even though they’re barely using them.
Giants seem to be the obvious landing spot.
Why would he want to play for the Giants if he had his pick of teams?
Does he though?
What about Seattle? Their tailback has fumbling issues, would be a big boost to that team if he’s healthy.
Seahawks, 49ers or Raiders
Probably not the 49ers as they are set to get Coleman back and I don’t know that Ajayi would be a significant enough upgrade from what they have already
He’s a beast when running, just too broken down to do it for any extended period of time. Giants would seem to be the best fit IMO.
Isn’t CJ Anderson a better option?
I think the Lions will be the team that signs him.