As we inch closer to NFL free agency teams will now decide what to do with some of their top players and difference makers. There are a number of high-caliber running backs that could land with new teams including Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears but also some other names such as Michael Bush for Oakland that could move into a starting role. Here are the top five choices for running back’s in 2012 free agency.

1. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens)

Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with a second round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Ray Rice signed a 4-year deal worth 2.8 million and a $1.1 million signing bonus. Chump change to what he can expect as the top back in free agency. Odds are the Ravens will do everything they can to sign Rice who not only the organization loves but also his teammates.

Behind Ray Rice? Ricky Williams…most likely not the answer for the Ravens who need a strong versatile back to make the offense tick.

Rice rushed for 1,367 yards in 2011 with 12 touchdowns. More importantly he also serves as an outlet for Joe Flacco catching 76 balls for 704 yards, a career high in yardage.

2. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears)

Selected in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Matt Forte has been in interesting story in 2011. It’s likely that will continue in 2012.

Forte became the first Chicago Bears running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season since Anthony Thomas rushed for 1,183 yards in 2001. He was the bread and butter of a Bears offense that was clicking before becoming injury riddled and eventually dropping out of the playoff race.

Forte finished only three yards short of 1,000 rushing yards for the season due to a sprained MCL which would end his season.

The star running back has been very public asking for the type of money Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans asked for. The fact that Johnson struggled most of the season didn’t do Forte any favors.

The question now turns to who will spend that type of money on Forte? Or will anyone?

3. Peyton Hillis (Cleveland Browns)

What in the world happened to Peyton Hillis? Wasn’t he the “Great White Hope?” Instead Browns fans were left hoping that he actually played a game. In the middle of a contract year Hillis took the opposite route many take. Instead of having a career year and gaining himself millions he lost millions.

Hillis has publicly stated he would like to stay with the Browns organization but many have questioned if he quit on the team.

A rebuilding team like the Browns should have nothing to do with a player of that nature.

Hillis rushed for only 587 yards in 2011. Almost half of his total in 2010 when he rushed for 1,177 yards and earned his way to a Madden cover.

4. Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks)

Originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills, Marshawn Lynch has come on as of late for the Seattle Seahawks. His love of skittles may be concerning for someone who needs to be in stellar shape but it hasn’t stopped his tenacity or ability to run over defenders.

The Seahawks learned that Lynch is an every-down back as he rushed for a career high in yardage (1,204) and in touchdowns (12).

Expect the Seahawks to lock Lynch up.

5. Mike Tolbert (San Diego Chargers)

Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Mike Tolbert reminds me of Jerome Bettis. His big stature allows him to plow over defenders.

We all know what happens to Chargers running backs who are let go. They break NFL records (Darren Sproles).

The Chargers will most likely let Tolbert test the market as the future still lies with Ryan Mathews.

Although only rushing for 480 yards splitting caries one of the more impressive stats was his receiving abilities. Tolbert caught 54 passes for 433 yards during 2011.

Tolbert might not be an every down back but someone a team like the New York Giants could use.

Other Free Agent RB’s

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