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It is no secret that the running back situation for the New York Giants was a mess in 2013, and that entering the offseason there is huge uncertainty remaining about the position.
Will the Giants dip into what seems like a deep pool of free-agent running backs in an effort to solidify the position? We recently discussed the possibility of adding Ben Tate of the Houston Texans, who might end up being the most hotly sought-after free-agent running back on the 2014 free-agent market.
If the Giants want a less expensive option could James Starks of the Green Bay Packers be in play for them? Starks has never been the feature back in Green Bay and has only 322 carries over his four-year career. He has, however, averaged 4.4 yards per carry. In 2013, Starks carried 89 times for 493 yards (5.5 yards per carry) and caught 10 passes while backing up rookie sensation Eddie Lacy. Starks' best year was 2011, when he carried 133 times for 578 yards (4.3 per carry) and caught 29 passes.
New Giants' offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo is, of course, familiar with Starks. McAdoo was part of the Green Bay coaching staff during all of Starks' tenure with the Packers.
We know the Giants need help at running back. Even if they re-sign Andre Brown they could use more help as the return of David Wilson remains in question following his neck surgery. What we don't know is precisely what McAdoo thinks of the 6-foot-1, 218-pound Starks, who actually hails from Niagara Falls.
Writing for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Mike Vandermause does not seem to think the Packers will push very hard to keep Starks if other NFL teams come calling. He writes:
He runs hard and served as a decent complement to Eddie Lacy, but DuJuan Harris and Johnathan Franklin could fill that role if push comes to shove.
Does Starks make sense for the Giants? Tell us what you think, Giants' fans?