Ezekiel Elliott and 5 free-agent running backs the NY Jets could sign

4. The NY Jets could sign Rashaad Penny

Rashaad Penny was a victim of the numbers game in Philadelphia last season, appearing in just three games after being buried on the depth chart. But when healthy, Penny has proven he can play at a very high level.

The former first-round pick has a career average of 5.6 yards per carry and was one of the most efficient running backs in football between 2021 and 2022. He rushed for 749 yards and six touchdowns on an NFL-best 6.3 yards per carry in 2021.

Unfortunately, after a hot five-game stretch to begin the 2022 season, Penny suffered a broken fibula which cut what was shaping up to be a Pro Bowl campaign short.

Penny never got a fair shake with the Eagles last season, but his numbers with the Seattle Seahawks are very impressive. Health remains his only prominent red flag.

3. The NY Jets could sign Kareem Hunt

Veteran running back Kareem Hunt re-signed with the Cleveland Browns last season following Nick Chubb's season-ending injury. Hunt split time with the young Jerome Ford, and while he finished the year with nine rushing touchdowns, his efficiency was quite bad.

The former Pro Bowler rushed for just 411 yards on a putrid 3.0 yards per carry. The underlying analytics don't paint a pretty picture, either, as Hunt's -0.75 RYOE (rushing yards over expected) ranked second-worst among all qualified running backs.

Hunt can still be productive as a short-yardage, goal-line back, but his days as an explosive big-play threat appear to be in the past. There are likely better options for the Jets on the open market.

The Jets ignored Dalvin Cook's declining efficiency metrics last year, relying on name value and box score production. Here's to hoping they don't make the same mistake again with Hunt.