Chiefs RB Jackie Battle Plans To Test Free Agency

[Mr_Tomahawk]

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.