Drew running out of time with Jags

Drew running out of time with Jags

The NFL season is nearing its end, and several players could be making their last stands with their respective teams. Out Routes takes a look at players who could be in for a change of scenery this off season.

RB Maurice Jones Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars:

A late season surge might save the Jaguars from finishing with the worst record in the NFL, but it's hard to ignore how far Jones Drew's play has fallen this season.

Through 12 games, the eighth year pro is averaging a startling 3.2 yards per carry. Whether it's Julio Jones Jersey Jones Drew's body of work his 1,764 career carries is fifth most among active players or last season's Lisfranc injury that's the cause, it's clear his best days are behind him.

Moving on after this season seems like the best option for both sides. Jones Drew can make a last gasp at contributing to a contender, and the Jaguars get more flexibility to rebuild. Hayden, McFadden is the only Raiders first round draft pick during that time frame still on the roster. And that should no longer be the case by 2014.

McFadden was upbeat about this season's switch to a power Darius Butler Blue Jersey blocking scheme under new offensive coordinator Greg Olson. But take out a Week 2 outburst against the Jaguars and McFadden is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry in another injury plagued year.

Rashad Jennings' emergence has made it clear the Raiders can let McFadden walk. Another power blocking team might try to tap into the potential that made McFadden a first round pick, but his injury history and lack of productivity will limit his options.

DE/LB Will Smith, New Orleans Saints:

Smith was already on notice entering this year after restructuring his contract in the offseason. Tearing his ACL in the preseason almost ensured that the pass rusher had played his final down with the Saints.

Smith is an ill fit for a switch to outside linebacker in Rob Ryan's 3 4 scheme. At 32 with diminishing production, he has little to offer a Saints defense that has found its stride without him.

Smith still has one year left on his contract, but he told The Times Picayune in October that Darius Butler Youth Jersey he was considering retirement should the Saints not bring him back.

RB Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona Cardinals:

One year after failing to land a lucrative contract in free agency, Mendenhall could be back on the market.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back teamed up with his old offensive coordinator nflfalconsofficial.com/Nike-Matt-Ryan-Jersey.html in Cardinals coach Bruce Arians, but it appears he's hit his ceiling. He's been neither dynamic (his longest run on 148 carries is just 15 yards) nor efficient (just 3.2 yards per carry).

Meanwhile, rookie sixth round draft pick Andre Ellington has almost nflfalconsofficial.com/Nike-Roddy-White-Jersey.html as many total rushing yards as Mendenhall on less than half the carries. Arians might trust Mendenhall for the rest of the season, but he'll be hard pressed to make a case for him as the Cardinals' primary ball carrier for the future.

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