NFL Free Agency Primer: Rashaad Penny

The regular season has come to a close, and most teams have already begun the complicated process of preparing for the 2023 season. As the new league year approaches, we'll be covering the impending free agents most capable of shifting the balance of power in the NFL.

The Player: Rashaad Penny

An explosive, powerful running back and former first-round pick, Rashaad Penny hasn't lived up to his enormous potential quite yet. Injuries kept him from seizing a major role on the Seattle Seahawks over the first five years of his career, but he has been extremely effective on his limited touches. Over his 42 career appearances, he has totalled 1918 rushing yards at an exceptional 5.7 yards per attempt. Unfortunately, he has missed 40 of a possible 82 games since coming into the league.

The Fit:

Penny is a punishing, hard-hitting back with solid size (5'11", 220 lbs) and speed (4.46 40-yard dash). He hasn't proven he can handle a significant load in the NFL, but the carries he offers are productive and valuable. He makes sense as a rotational back or backup for a team that likes to platoon their backs.

The Contract:

Penny is coming off a one-year, $5.75 million contract he earned by rushing for a career-best 749 yards at a league-leading 6.3 yards per attempt in 2021. He regressed in 2022, rushing for 345 yards across five appearances. He still has all the tantalizing tools he always has, so he'll probably have a little bit of competition for his services. He may have to settle for another one-year deal at a slightly lower number, but he could also potentially land a contract similar to J.D. McKissic's two-year, $7 million pact with the Washington Commanders. 

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