Should the Packers sign LeSean McCoy? It's a question worth considering, and if you're Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst, the Buffalo Bills releasing McCoy should raise your eyebrows a bit.
On one hand: What does McCoy have left to give?
He clearly still has some of the talent that led to him being a rushing champion in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. Pull up any of McCoy's big plays from last season in Buffalo and it doesn't take an NFL scout to see that he's still explosive and dangerous in the open field at times. If he gets the edge on a defender he still has the second gear that helps him pick up extra yards, and if utilized in the right scheme, he can still be a vital part of a passing game. He's the type of running back that can make a linebacker look silly on a wheel route, even at 31-years-old.
On the other hand: Why did the Bills cut him?
McCoy is a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, but it's been clear for years those superstar days are far behind him. Outside of a stellar 2016 campaign, he's been inconsistent to say the least. McCoy rushed for a career-low 514 rushing yards last season, and the Bills clearly feel good about what they have in the backfield with veterans Frank Gore, T.J. Yeldon and promising rookie Devin Singletary.
According to ESPN, the Bills were concerned about how McCoy would react to being part of a timeshare in the backfield, a possibility that contributed to his release.
Those are all concerning facts, and when put in the context of the Packers, appear to be reasons Gutekunst should avoid going after the veteran running back.
Aaron Jones is expected to be the Packers feature back this season, and seems set for a breakout year on a national level. We've seen glimpses of Jones' elite ability in open space in the past and he's run for an incredible 5.5 yards per carry so far in Green Bay. With that said, suspensions and injuries have left him somewhat limited over the past two seasons, and former head coach Mike McCarthy didn't seem to want to use him in a featured role. That should change under rookie coach Matt LaFleur, especially if Jones stays healthy.
Behind him on the depth chart is Jamaal Williams, who has rushed for 1,020 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons. Williams is a tough runner, a great pass-blocker and can even play a role as a pass-catcher. Though he may never be a top-tier running back in the NFL, he has proven that he can be a solid backup and contributor for the Packers.
Throw in promising rookie running back Dexter Williams, and the Packers seem to be really solid in the running back room. And sure, you can never have enough talent, but Green Bay has worked hard to solidify its stable of backs.
If Buffalo had concerns about how McCoy would react to being part of a committee, how is he going to react potentially sharing the third running back duties with a rookie? Even being a rotational back with Williams may not be enough for McCoy. On hype and name alone it sounds like a good idea, but the Packers have shown that they're more interested in the potential of the future rather than the hype of the past.
Bottom line: McCoy would not be a good fit for the green and gold.
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