Nebraska Football: Analyzing Potential Landing Spots for Rex Burkhead

When NFL free agency opened up last week, Nebraska football fans were no doubt wondering what high-level free agents their NFL team of choice would sign.

More: Five Huskers Who Must Step Up This Spring

Many are still wondering where free agent running back and Husker fan favorite Rex Burkhead will sign.

Burkhead was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He has spent the last four years playing primarily in limited roles. Now an unrestricted free agent, there is no doubt a number of teams that could benefit from his services.

During the last four seasons in Cincinnati, he was primarily a special teams player but has also seen playing time at slot receiver and running back. In 42 games with the Bengals, he has racked up 87 rushing attempts for 375 yards and three touchdowns.

He has also caught 34 passes for 288 yards and one touchdown. During Cincinnati’s final game in 2016, he carried the ball 27 times for 119 yards and two touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens.

Now firmly entrenched in NFL free agency, let’s take a look at some teams that would benefit from the former Husker’s services.

Cincinnati Bengals

This one would make a great deal of sense. Burkhead already knows the system in Cincinnati, and he showed in the Bengals’ season finale last season that he can be a boost to their offense.

The only downfall is that they currently have Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill under contract. It is doubtful that Burkhead would want to continue being the third wheel in Cincinnati’s offensive game plan.

Denver Broncos

When CJ Anderson went down with an injury to his meniscus in week seven against Houston, the Broncos running game became virtually non-existent.

As a matter of fact, during the last nine games of 2016, no back among Devontae Booker, Juwan Thompson or Justin Forsett managed to log a game with over 100 yards rushing.

There is no doubt that a reunion of Andy Janovich and Rex Burkhead in Denver’s backfield could provide a spark.

Minnesota Vikings

When Adrian Peterson announced early on in the offseason that he was looking at taking his talents away from the Twin Cities, it left a big hole in Minnesota’s offense. The Vikings’ depth at running back consists of only Jerick McKinnon and Bishop Sankey.

While both McKinnon and Sankey have been serviceable in the past, the Vikings need to have a very solid running game to keep the pressure off of Sam Bradford, who is set to be under center again for the Vikings this year.

Without the running threat of Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback, opposing defenses were able to shut down the Vikings offense.

New England Patriots

The news came out on March 13 that Burkhead tripped to Foxborough. No doubt New England wants to bring back LeGarrette Blount, but may not be able to afford the price that the Blount is sure to be seeking.

Another interesting possibility with Burkhead potentially joining the Patriots is that he would be versatile and able to play at either running back or slot receiver.