NFL Predictions: 7 Teams That Should Sign Christine Michael

In a relatively shocking development, the Seattle Seahawks have once again parted ways with running back Christine Michael.

With former starter Thomas Rawls (leg) working his way back to 100% and expecting to take back a big role in the team’s offensive backfield, the team has reportedly waived the veteran running back:

BREAKING: Seattle Seahawks have waived RB Christine Michael. pic.twitter.com/QEFSM55Cgm

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 15, 2016

It’s a shocking move, both because Michael has actually performed quite well at times in 2016, and because he still provides long-term value.

The Seahawks clearly wanted the roster spot and with the NFL trade deadline passed, opted to cut Michael loose for a second time.

While the news is a surprise, it certainly isn’t one that will go unnoticed across the league, where numerous teams are starving for running back talent.

Michael is quite talented, too, and he was flashing signs of his upside all year by posting a 100+ yard rushing day in week three and racking up six touchdowns on the ground over the course of the season.

Michael may not possess elite versatility and he had some moments where he struggled to find lanes, but the 26-year old back still has plenty of upside to offer.

Here’s a look at seven teams that will surely hope Michael falls to them in the waiver wire process:

Green Bay Packers

No other team stands out quite as much as the Packers, who have been severely banged up at running back. James Starks just returned last week, but Eddie Lacy is still out and Knile Davis was a failed experiment.

For a team that has handed quite a few running back snaps to multiple wide receivers, the Packers would be foolish to bypass a waiver claim on such a talented rusher.

Detroit Lions

If not the Packers, then the Lions stand out as a team that badly needs a jolt at the running back position. Detroit signed Justin Forsett out of desperation and has been trying to get any kind of production out of anyone not named Theo Riddick.

The Lions are just a mess in the offensive backfield and it could make sense to bring in some fresh legs. Michael would immediately be the most talented runner on the team and could spell the end of either Zach Zenner or Dwayne Washington.

Minnesota Vikings

Correction; the Vikings might need running back help the most. No one knows if Adrian Peterson will even make it back this year and the likes of Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata simply haven’t been getting it done.

Minnesota is reeling right now after four straight losses, but perhaps adding a quality running back to their stable could help iron out some of their offensive issues. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, it’s a shot in the dark worth taking.

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore can’t seem to find the right fit at running back, as Terrance West seems to run into brick walls, Justin Forsett was released earlier in the year and no one else on the Ravens has managed to step up and run away with the starting running back gig.

If the Ravens want to continue with their committee approach, that’s one thing, but kicking the tires on that talented Michael still wouldn’t be a bad idea. He could potentially emerge as the lead back, or he could carve out a solid role as a member of a two or three-back rotation.

Denver Broncos

It’s arguable the Broncos make more sense than any other team on this list, seeing as C.J. Anderson is on injured reserve and all they have behind rookie running back Devontae Booker is Kapri Bibbs and Juwan Thompson.

Booker has even struggled during his first year on the job, so Denver would be wise to at least give Michael a look and see if he’s worth hanging onto.

New York Giants

The G-Men don’t make total sense right off the bat, seeing as they already have a plethora of running backs and Rashad Jennings is actually coming off one of his best games of the year.

Still, one of New York’s key offensive weaknesses has been their inability to consistently run the ball. If Michael can help them improve that facet of their offensive game, he’s worth a look.

San Diego Chargers

The Bolts aren’t really going anywhere at 4-6 this year, but they have Melvin Gordon and nothing else right now. They’ve seen three running backs succumb to injury in 2016 and while Michael wouldn’t be handed a big role behind Gordon, the depth he’d offer could be well received.

Christine Michael Prediction

Ultimately, only one team can pick up Christine Michael and the odds are it’s going to be a team fairly high in the waiver wire pecking order.

With a lot of the truly terrible NFL teams not needing Michael, logic points to the Packers as the best option. Not only does Green Bay need another running back, but Michael is immensely talented and could be a huge get for a struggling team. At 4-5, the Packers might be in just bad enough shape to land him, as well.