Coming off an injury-plagued 2020 NFL season, where are some of Marlon Mack’s potential landing spots when 2021 free agency begins? Let’s take a look at a few teams that could be interested in adding Mack and his skill set.

Marlon Mack Landing Spots

With Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines firmly entrenched as the backs in Indianapolis after a strong 2020, where could Marlon Mack wind up when free agency begins in 2021?

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons do not have an answer at running back right now. Therefore, they will be the ideal landing spot for several players like Marlon Mack. The Falcons can realistically bring in Mack and another free agent to compete for the starting role this offseason. Assuming Arthur Smith will run a similar offensive system to the one in Tennessee, Mack’s relative lack of pass catching will not be an issue in Atlanta.

Derrick Henry has had just 37 receptions in the past two seasons in Tennessee. Mack does not fit the bruising-runner style of Henry, but he is still talented. It is unlikely he will serve the primary role in Atlanta, but he could be a low-risk option to compete for a starting job.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals did not really use Kenyan Drake that much in the passing game in 2020. Drake was targeted just 31 times all season, so Mack’s relative lack of experience there will not be a negative. What makes this an intriguing landing spot for Marlon Mack is he can mimic the role of Drake in this scheme. He can be the run-first type of back who is spelled by Chase Edmonds.

Additionally, this move has plenty of upside for Mack. Lining up alongside the elusive Kyler Murray will give Mack the opportunity to make big plays, as teams keep half an eye on the QB.

New York Jets

The Jets do not have an answer at running back. Therefore, they could make an opportunistic landing spot for Marlon Mack. The likelihood is he would be competing with a rookie for touches during camp, but he has the experience to open the season as the starter in New York.

The concern from Mack’s perspective would be the potential of dwindling playing time, especially if the Jets invest in a back in the first round. However, a move to the Jets offers Mack a legitimate opportunity to be a starter when the 2021 NFL season begins.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Another team who did not throw to their primary back regularly was the Pittsburgh Steelers. James Conner did have 35 receptions, but he was not being targeted four-plus times a game. Indeed, this could be an interesting landing spot for Marlon Mack to replace Conner as the feature back in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers have the likes of Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland to bring variation to the game. As a result, they could use Mack as their primary back in Conner’s role and sprinkle in Snell/McFarland in the committee.

With limited cap space, the Steelers should be able to make a deal for Mack work. Coming off an Achilles tear, Mack will likely have to prove he is still the same explosive back.

Therefore, a year with a team looking to win now could be the perfect spotlight for Mack to succeed. We have seen running backs make a name for themselves in Pittsburgh. At any rate, the concerns around the offensive line make this landing spot somewhat less appealing.

Seattle Seahawks

With no clear No. 1 ready to take over for Seattle, Marlon Mack could be an interesting fit. They did tend to use a feature back (Chris Carson) a little more in the run game than Mack has been. However, just because he was utilized in the passing game doesn’t mean he cannot be going forward. There is ample competition in Seattle, but Marlon Mack would add vital experience to the group.

What is Marlon Mack’s market value in free agency?

Coming off an Achilles injury is going to make it an interesting offseason for Mack. While the potential landing spots could be plentiful, Marlon Mack may struggle to secure a long-term deal.

Injury concerns have been a knock on Mack throughout his NFL career, particularly in fantasy football. Prior to the Achilles injury, Mack had played 40 of a possible 48 regular season games in his career.

He has developed nicely as a potential lead back, amassing 908 yards on 195 carries in 2018. He then backed that up with 247 carries for 1,091 rushing yards in 2019. In those two years combined, he added 17 rushing touchdowns. Mack could make a solid addition as a potential committee running back or competition for a starting role in camp.

In terms of a potential contract value, potential landing spots for Marlon Mack should consider a heavily incentive-laden deal. Something along the lines of $2 million per year rising to around $3.5 million would make sense for teams looking to acquire Mack.

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Marlon Mack Landing Spots: Potential suitors for former Colts RB