After a 2020 NFL season that saw him relegated to the third option with the Los Angeles Rams, where are the potential landing spots for Rams running back Malcolm Brown in the free agent market? Let’s take a look at some of the places Brown could find success in the next stage of his career.
Malcolm Brown Landing Spots
The emergence of rookie Cam Akers, supported by Darrell Henderson, makes it unlikely that Brown will return to Los Angeles. Therefore, with free agency kicking into gear, where are Malcolm Brown’s potential landing spots this offseason?
The Atlanta Falcons do not yet have a lead back for 2021
The opportunities to be a lead back in the NFL in 2021 are dwindling. However, the Atlanta Falcons present an intriguing potential landing spot for a player like Malcolm Brown. While it is unfair to compare any back to the success Derrick Henry has had in Tennessee, that is the carrot for any back who signs with Arthur Smith’s Falcons.
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Taking a short-term deal to go into camp and compete for the lead back role in Atlanta has the potential for a big payoff. Brown would be no certainty to win the job if he were to sign. However, the six-year veteran does not have many miles on his legs with just 298 career carries.
The Arizona Cardinals need a secondary option to Chase Edmonds
It is fascinating how many options the Cardinals have with their running back role. Could they look to bring in a Kenyan Drake, lead-back type? Or perhaps it is Edmonds who will assume the lead back role, with a veteran supporting him? Malcolm Brown could be a candidate to fill either of those roles for the Cardinals in 2021.
The added advantage for Brown is the opportunity to play with a mobile QB. Playing alongside a mobile QB can help open up opportunities for running backs. Taking a one-year deal in Arizona could turn into a lucrative multi-year deal in the future for Brown.
Brown could have a shot at a starting role with the New York Jets
The Jets running back position is somewhat of a mess. The likelihood is that they will aim to invest heavily in the position in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, they may still look for a veteran to shoulder the load early in the 2021 season.
Brown demonstrated last season that he could be the complimentary back to an emerging rookie. There would likely be an expiry date for Brown with the Jets, but he could increase his stock for next offseason with a strong start to the season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers also offer a potential path to significant playing time
The Steelers are another team with no starter set in stone. They have some options and could be a candidate to invest in the draft. However, with the team looking to make the most of Ben Roethlisberger’s final seasons, a veteran back may make the most sense. Brown has the ability to make plays both on the ground and in the passing game. He could be an ideal lead-back candidate for the Steelers.
Could Malcolm Brown make the jump to the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent?
Chris Carson looks set to depart the Seahawks in free agency. Therefore, the Seahawks need to decide the shape of their running back room in 2021. Rashaad Penny and DeeJay Dallas are talented, but they both come with concerns surrounding consistency and durability.
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Brown demonstrated he could be effective at times in a committee situation last year. Maybe the Seahawks look to copy the Rams’ strategy and pair two young backs with the slightly more experienced Brown.
What is Malcolm Brown’s market value in free agency?
There is unlikely to be a booming market for Brown this offseason. He is coming off a career year, so he has that going for him. However, that career year yielded just 581 combined yards, despite dressing for 16 games. Brown can point to his ability to find the end zone. He has scored 10 rushing touchdowns in just 170 carries over the past two seasons.
The most likely outcome for Brown is a one-year prove-it type deal. He is coming off a two-year, $3.3 million contract with the Rams. Any potential landing spot for Malcolm Brown would likely be looking for a one or two-year deal, worth around $1.25-$1.5 million per year at a maximum.
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