Could Arian Foster Be A Target For The Green Bay Packers?

Arian Foster is testing free agency this offseason after being released by the Houston Texans, and there haven’t been many rumors about him thus far. One team that could be an intriguing fit for Foster is the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay was interested in signing Matt Forte before he wound up with the New York Jets, which makes Foster more intriguing to think about.

Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported that the Packers had interest in Forte before he signed with New York.

Packers expressing interest in Bears free-agent RB Matt Forte, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2016

Green Bay is looking to find a change-of-pace back behind Eddie Lacy. Lacy struggled in a big way last season with the Packers, with weight being a major issue for him. He has been attacking this offseason already, but the Packers cannot afford to simply hope that he can get things figured out.

Throughout his entire career, Foster has been one of the better running backs in the league when he has been able to stay healthy.

Foster was only able to play in four regular season games with the Texans last year before going down with a torn Achilles. There is no telling how much football he has left in the tank, which will force his price down in free agency this offseason. Green Bay could get him on a very cheap deal and could end up getting a huge return from him on-the-field.

During the 2015 season with the Texans, Foster ended up carrying the football 63 times for 163 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 22 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns.

At 29-years-old, Foster still has some time to turn his career around. Health issues have completely derailed what could have been a superstar career. Foster is not ready to give up on being an NFL superstar.

James Starks was the Packers’ backup running back behind Lacy last season. Green Bay is interested in bringing him back, but there are other teams interested in him as well. The New England Patriots brought Starks in for a free agency visit, which proves that the Packers have competition for him.

Along with Packers RB James Starks and Jaguars TE Clay Harbor, Raiders WR Rod Streater also visiting Patriots today, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2016

If Starks does end up signing elsewhere, Green Bay will have to bring in another backup running back.

Foster would fit perfectly in the Green Bay offense. He is a dual-threat running back and would be a major threat out of the backfield as a receiver for Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay could also give him a good number of carries each and every game, just like they did with Starks whenever Lacy was struggling.

Mike McCarthy has always preferred splitting carries between two running backs. Even two years ago when Lacy was having a huge season, Starks was getting a good amount of work.

Looking ahead at the remainder of the offseason, the Packers still have plenty of money left to make a move. There is no reason why they couldn’t go out and sign Foster should they choose to do so.

Only time will tell what the Packers will do at the running back position, but Foster makes a lot of sense. They were already interested in a veteran running back this offseason and Foster is a very similar player. Green Bay would make a lot of sense for Foster as well, as they can offer a limited backup role where he can get back on track.

It certainly seems to make sense for both sides on the outside looking in. Foster has not been rumored to have interest from any team so far, which would help Green Bay swoop in and sign him to a smaller deal.

Do the Green Bay Packers make sense for Arian Foster? Would you like to see them pursue a deal with him?

[AP Photo/Michael Conroy]