5 veteran running backs the Washington Redskins could sign

4. LaMichael James

James has struggled to stick in the NFL, playing just one game with the Miami Dolphins last season and working out for the Dallas Cowboys last October. A lack of size and injuries have helped derail his career, but the Oregon product is still just 23 and was a productive kickoff returner over his first two NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

James is a carbon copy of Thompson is some ways, as a small back with durability concerns. That could make him a fit for the Redskins, and create doubt about Thompson being able to keep a roster spot (as previously speculated by Rich Tandler of CSN Washington), or general manager Scot McCloughan could be turned off from James simply due that similarity to Thompson.

James could garner some interest from around the league soon, as injuries alter the running back landscape over the course of training camp and the preseason. The Redskins should have an interest in him right now, though if they take a serious look at outside options.

Next: Pierre Thomas