Chiefs RB Jackie Battle Plans To Test Free Agency
 

Chiefs RB Jackie Battle Plans To Test Free Agency
by Joel Thorman on Feb 20, 2012 5:16 PM CST in 2012 KC Chiefs Free

"[The Chiefs] said they wanted me back before we left but I was gonna just see what my options were before I made that decision," Battle told Andrew Bogusch and Pat Kirwan on SiriusXM NFL Radio Monday afternoon. "But they said they wanted me back before the season ended."

Battle recognized that this is the NFL and things change so it's possible Chiefs change their mind and look elsewhere for a running back.

"I don't know who they're looking at or what their strategy is," Battle said. "But I'm going to go out there and look around a little bit and if the Chiefs are the best situation for me then I'd love to go back."

He also said he's definitely going to be on the look out for a situation that gives him more carries at running back, whether that's with the Chiefs or another team.


"I played a bunch of special teams throughout my career but I'm a running back true and true," he said. "I want to play as much running back as I can. I'm looking for an opportunity to get a bigger running back role. And hopefully it's with the Chiefs."

Here's the dilemma for the Chiefs: If you lose Battle in free agency, you're losing a backup running back and one of your top special teamers. Battle mentioned on the show that he has played special teams, backup running back and fullback. He was making the point that he can do a lot of different things for the team.

In my mind, Battle should go with the money. He came into the league as an undrafted free agent and until this season was only known as a special teams guy. He's coming off what is by far his best year with seven times as many carries (149) this season as his previous career high (20). His stock may never be higher. And I wouldn't blame him for testing the free agency waters, either.

As for the teams who could be interested, there aren't any known teams with interest. Battle did say that he liked the way the Texans ran their offense. He said he wasn't talking about any particular teams -- just their offense itself -- but it's kinda funny that Battle's hometown is...Houston.

I have a million ****s and wouldn't give a single one if he leaves.

He had one 100 yard game against a team that ended up with the #1 pick. Yeah, I suspect that there's big money waiting out there for him.

I like the guy, but his main strategy should be to make a roster.

Battle is dollar menu material

Doesnt do any one thing particularly well, easily replaced.

LMAO that scrub should be thankful ANYONE wanted him back. "Test" those waters big guy.

Good for him. Good luck with that. Good to know ya. Good that you gave it your almost best for this team. Good, well bye.

Let him

If he gets a payday, all the best to him.

He got lucky that Charles got hurt and we were relying on a 85 year old in Jones, but he has to try his one chance to be seen as anything but a special teamer.

Slowest RB in the league to get to the line of scrimmage.

Played pretty well all things considered.
I have nothing bad to say about the kid.
Can't imagine he'll get anything, but another backup job though.

Cheaps, rabble rabble rabble

Well bye

He did have 4 ypc. That's not bad, certainly better than Jones. He isn't bad depth, but if he wants a big payday, he needs to look elsewhere. He's good depth, and a change of pace but nothing more.

The UDRFA pool is littered with backs like Battle. Giving him any more than the vet minimum would be morAnic.