Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Alfred Morris is hoping to get a substantial contract extension from the Washington Redskins. As it usually goes with running backs these days, things aren’t that simple.
While Morris, a two-time Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro in 2012, has done very well in three seasons with the team, eclipsing 1000 yards in each of them, totalling at 3962 yards with 28 touchdowns, averaging 4.5 per carry, there are signs that his best days are behind them, which makes the Redskins feel no rush to re-sign him right now.
Morris set a franchise record with 1613 yards on his rookie year, but as Robert Griffin III and the team’s quarterback situation declined, so did Morris’ numbers suffer. He rushed for 1275 yards in 2013 and 1074 yards last season. It has more to do with the team’s quarterback situation being close to rock bottom than Morris not running well, but everything affects everything.
Morris is mostly a two-down back and is almost non-existent in the passing game with 37 receptions in three seasons. He also drops quite a lot of passes, making him a very one-dimensional back. A good one at what he does, but teams want the total package from a feature back they’re going to spend money on. The Redskins want to see more before they commit more years and millions to Morris.