Running back Chris Ivory, off of a productive three-year stretch as the New York Jets' top running back, signed a five-year deal to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. He joins 2015 rookie T.J. Yeldon in the Jacksonville backfield.
Fantasy impact of Chris Ivory free agent signing
The Jaguars added the ex-Jets running back. We break down the fantasy implications.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Ivory had his first career 1,000-yard rushing season in 2015, gaining 1,070 rushing yards on 247 carries over 15 games. He had eight total touchdowns and also set a career high in receiving, with 217 yards on 30 receptions. Yeldon, Jacksonville’s lead back in 2015, had 740 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 182 carries in 12 games as a rookie.
Fantasy impact: This was a surprise deal, as most expected Jacksonville to roll into 2016 with Yeldon as the lead running back, backed up by incumbents Toby Gerhart and Denard Robinson. Instead, it looks like Ivory and Yeldon will largely split carries with the Jaguars, meaning neither is going to be truly fantasy-worthy. Yeldon and Ivory will both profile as flex plays in 2016, probably ranked in the mid-20s among running backs.
Back in New York, the hole left by Ivory was almost immediately filled by the signing of ex-Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte, pairing the veteran with Bilal Powell in what could be a strong running game in 2016.
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