C.J. Spiller Rumors: 5 Potential Landing Spots For Recently Released Running Back

Former Clemson Tigers standout C.J. Spiller was expected to move on and become one of the NFL’s most explosive running backs following his collegiate career.

Thus, when the Buffalo Bills chose to select him in the first round at No. 9 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, they assumed they were acquiring a versatile speedster who could play all three downs for many years due to his prowess for making plays in space and elusiveness in between the tackles.

Spiller got off to a slow start in Buffalo as injury and ineffectiveness plagued his first two campaigns. But during his third NFL season in 2015, things finally clicked.

C.J. finished 2012 with 1,244 rushing yards, six touchdowns, 43 receptions, 459 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. It appeared as if he was blossoming into one of the NFL’s top five running backs, and the Buffalo Bills were thrilled with their decision to spend a first-round pick on such a dynamic player.

Spiller regressed a tad in 2013, but still finished with over 1,000 total yards. However, he was only able to suit up in five games for Buffalo in 2014, and the Bills decided against re-signing the oft-injured back when his contract expired at the end of the season.

The New Orleans Saints subsequently rolled the dice on C.J. prior to the 2015 NFL season, signing him to a four-year, $16 million contract with $5.75 million fully guaranteed. The move turned out to be a drastic mistake for New Orleans, as he only appeared in two games.

Heading into the 2016 NFL season, whispers that were vociferous in tone suggested Saints brass had soured on Spiller, but were willing to give him one final chance. However, in Week 1 against the Oakland Raiders, C.J. did not play a single snap.

As reported by Nick Shook of NFL.com on Tuesday, the Saints somewhat surprisingly released Spiller despite the move wreaking havoc on the franchise’s salary cap. At 29-years-old, it’s fair to assume a team with depth issues at running back will take a flyer on Spiller. So, where might he end up?

Here are five potential landing spots other than the Baltimore Ravens, which has been reported ad nauseam.

Miami Dolphins

In Week 1, the Miami Dolphins elected to leave second-stringer Jay Ajayi at home prior to traveling to Seattle. Rumors suggest Ajayi is unhappy with Miami due to the signing of Arian Foster still, and could continue to be left out of the Dolphins offensive game plan.

Thus, Miami could use another veteran in the mix behind the oft-injured Foster.

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins have no clue what they are going to get out of Matt Jones and Chris Thompson this season. Washington only rushed for 55 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, and would be foolish not to at least consider rolling the dice on Spiller while dealing with so much uncertainty.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts don’t have much depth behind Frank Gore, who at 33-years-old, is ancient in running back years. Don’t be surprised if Indianapolis brings Spiller in.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Despite incumbent T.J. Yeldon’s presence, Chris Ivory was expected to get plenty of touches with the Jacksonville Jaguars this season after signing a fairly lucrative deal. Sadly, Ivory was hospitalized over the weekend with an undisclosed injury, and missed Week 1.

Ivory has been released from the hospital, but his status in regards to returning to football activities is completely unclear. Thus, it would be wise for the Jaguars to consider Spiller after running for just 48 yards against Green Bay in their opener.

Los Angeles Rams

Let’s be honest, the Los Angeles Rams were absolutely abysmal on Monday night against San Francisco and could use all the help they can get on offense.

Todd Gurley can’t do it all himself and Benny Cunningham being Gurley’s backup isn’t exactly cemented in stone. With quarterbacks who aren’t good at throwing footballs, it makes plenty of sense for the Rams to give a guy like Spiller, who can catch passes out of the backfield if nothing else, a try on a team-friendly deal.

[Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images]