Chester Taylor [Signed with Bears]

[kravix]

Heard this on 610 earlier.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/357153...s-player_news/

The Lions and Texans are expected to "lead the charge" for free agent Chester Taylor.

Taylor was expected to continue talking with the Vikes, but he's now a prized commodity with Darren Sproles off the market. He'd start over Maurice Morris in Detroit while Kevin Smith (ACL surgery) works his way back. Houston is slightly surprising, as they've insisted their preference is for a young running back. Also believed to be interested: Bills, Broncos, Chiefs, Giants, Bears, and Steelers.

He is 30, but has never been the heavy load guy. Averages 4+ YPC every season but 2. Brings veteran leadership and may be a good third down guy in our system.

He is definately an upgrade over Brown, but at what cost? A 4-6M 2-3 year contract would be ok with me. Definately not who I would want as a feature back, but much better than Brown. Slaton, Foster, Moats, Henry, Johnson, Rookie draft pick... All of them are young and having a good vet, besides Brown, in camp or on the roster, who may actually be able to produce as a backup/change of pace guy, is definately preferable to rolling out a RB corps that can only muster a years worth of starts between them.

[TheMatrix31]

Interesting. So we could try for LT, Jones, Taylor, or use a pick on an RB.

I think Taylor is probably the best option considering he has experience being "the second RB" for so long. I don't think he'll have any opposition towards being one of a two-headed monster. Plus, he's got less tread on the tires.

Go for it, 4 mil a year + incentives? Hmm.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

Interesting. So we could try for LT, Jones, Taylor, or use a pick on an RB.

Given that we've gotten several pressing needs (especially with Robinsons departure), there's appeal to renting a vet back back for a year or two and use that pick for another priority. Plus an experienced NFL back should be able to protect Schaub on passing downs in a way a rookie couldn't.

[Keith]

via the chron's John McClain on Twitter:

McClain_on_NFL
There's a report Texans are interested in RB Chester Taylor. Not true. For the umpteenth time, the Texans aren't interested in old backs.

[barrett]

Taylor is the last one I would choose of the veteran backs. He is an older Steve Slaton. He is basically useful on 3rd down, and I would hate to see Slaton off the field on 3rd down.

My guess is we sign a cheap vet and go with a rookie as well (I'd be suprised if it was a high pick though).

[superbowlbound]

Originally Posted by barrett

My guess is we sign a cheap vet and go with a rookie as well (I'd be suprised if it was a high pick though).

Hasn't that been the plan all along? And how well has that worked out for us? It's time to spend the draft pick.

[HPF Bob]

I concur that we won't be interested in an older back after the Ahman Green disaster. I could see us taking a back in the 2-3 round, possibly a bigger back who can help in short yardage. Ryan Matthews would seem ideal but I don't think he lasts until our spot in the second and I don't think he's good value for our 20th pick so I would only see us taking him with a trade down unless his stock falls (which has happened before to RBs on draft day as everyone shops for other positions).

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by barrett

Taylor is the last one I would choose of the veteran backs. He is an older Steve Slaton. He is basically useful on 3rd down, and I would hate to see Slaton off the field on 3rd down.

My guess is we sign a cheap vet and go with a rookie as well (I'd be suprised if it was a high pick though).

Barrett are you at all confidant that Slaton will be back this year, healthy and fit, or are you more of the mind that the best we can do is adopt a wait and see attitiude about his availability which is highly uncertain at this point ?