:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28260295/ben_tate_profile_usatsi_7399928.0.jpg)
We have already talked about Houston Texans' free-agent running back Ben Tate, but as we examine potential free-agent targets for the New York Giants let's discuss the talented Tate, who figures to be the best back on the market, one more time.
The 25-year-old Tate is expected to leave the Texans, where he has tired of caddying for Arian Foster. The 25-year-old made it plain during a recent Sirius XM NFL Radio appearance that it is his "time to step out and have my own team."
Must Reads
Must Reads
Should the Giants be that team?
Running back was a disaster for the Giants in 2013. David Wilson, Da'Rel Scott, Andre Brown, Brandon Jacobs, Peyton Hillis and Michael Cox all started games. The only one guaranteed to be in training camp as of now is Cox, a 2013 seventh-round pick.
There is no denying Tate's ability. The 2010 second-round pick has averaged 4.7 yards per carry over his career thus far.
There are two questions -- durability and cost.
In terms of durability, Tate spent his rookie season on IR and has played in just 40 of 64 Texans' games since they made him the 58th overall pick in 2010. The most times he has carried in a season is 181, the number of carries he got in 2013.
In terms of cost, all you have to do is Google Tate's name and you see that there will be a bidding war for his services. Just about any team in need of a running back will kick the tires on Tate. Will the Giants have the ability, and the desire, to get into a costly bidding war? That is the kind of thing they generally avoid in free agency.
Your thoughts, Giants' fans?
