Christine Michael could sign for Packers or Vikings
Wednesday 16 November 2016 22:22, UK
Seattle Seahawks have released running back Christine Michael, despite leading the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.
Michael, waived after less than a year in his second stint with the Seahawks, is looking for a new home following the rise of C.J Prosise and the return of Thomas Rawls.
At just 26, there are plenty of play-off contenders that would be interested in Michael's services. Sky Sports takes a look over the teams that might make a play for him.
1. Green Bay Packers
In the absence of Eddie Lacy and James Starks, the Packers tried out anyone they could lay their hands on to fill their running back void. Knile Davis lasted a game, Don Jackson was promoted from the practice squad and Joique Bell was brought in for a trial. They even converted Ty Montgomery from wide receiver to play at RB.
Now Starks is back, but is averaging just 2.4 yards per carry this season. The 4-5 Packers still lack a spark to ignite their ailing offence, and Michael could be offer Aaron Rodgers an effective alternative to throwing the ball.
2. New York Giants
Rashad Jennings put in his best performance of the season as the New York Giants beat the Cincinnati Bengals 21-20 on Monday night. However, New York are currently 31st in rushing, averaging just over 74 yards a game.
With Shane Vereen unlikely to return before the end of the season, and the rookie Paul Perkins still learning his craft, it would make sense for New York to look at Michael as a viable alternative.
3. Baltimore Ravens
John Harbaugh is as good as anyone at getting the best out of talent deemed surplus to requirements elsewhere. He did it with Steve Smith following the wide receiver's release from Carolina, as well as the astute investments in Mike Wallace and Justin Forsett.
Forsett was cut and later resigned in the summer, but has since lost his starting place to Terrence West and the emerging Kenneth Dixon. In their 28-7 win over Cleveland, Dixon was Baltimore's most effective weapon on offence with 80 total yards.
However, after a season delayed by injury, the Ravens could do with proven quality as they look to cement their first NFC North title since their Super Bowl winning season of 2012.
4. Houston Texans
The Texans are in the fortunate position of leading their division despite underwhelming performances this season. A staunch defensive performance, maintained even through the loss of talisman J.J Watt, has held up a poor attack that ranks 30th in the league.
A lot of Houston's problems might be attributed to quarterback Brock Osweiler, but the team have only scored two rushing touchdowns so far this season. Michael has six on his own, and would certainly take some of the pressure off Osweiler.
5. Minnesota Vikings
Losing Adrian Peterson wasn't a problem when the Vikings were winning. In fact, earlier in the season some were asking whether Peterson's dominance had contributed to Minnesota's underachievement, because all attacks seemed to go through him.
Now though, the Vikings have lost four on the bounce and are rock bottom in total offence as well as rushing yards. They need to stop the rot in order to maintain hopes for a play-off spot and, with a tough three weeks coming up (Cardinals, Lions and Cowboys), Minnesota could turn to Michael in their hour of need.
Quarterback Sam Bradford has struggled to throw the ball, averaging just 3.4 yards per attempt, and the introduction of a powerful running back is a possible option for the franchise to return to type.
