Could Cleveland Browns Or Washington Redskins Sign RB C.J. Spiller Next?

C.J. Spiller is now a free agent. Could the Cleveland Browns or Washington Redskins be interested in signing C.J. Spiller? Where will Spiller play next?

In a stunning move, the New Orleans Saints cut ties with C.J. Spiller after their 35-34 loss to the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. NFL.com reported that the Saints released the running back after just one season with the team.

C.J. Spiller’s release caught a lot of people off guard. It is especially shocking given the fact that he received praise (courtesy of the New Orleans Advocate) from Saints head coach Sean Payton during the end of preseason.

“We’re seeing a much healthier and stronger player. This guy has worked extremely hard in the offseason getting strength around the knee, and we have seen him now on a kickoff to start the game, on a pass out wide, we’ve seen him basically run around and then also make a guy miss and keep his feet free. I have been encouraged for him.”

In 2015, C.J. Spiller signed a four-year, $18 million deal (via NFL.com) in free agency with the New Orleans Saints. High expectations were heaped on Spiller’s shoulders. The Saints were looking to use the former first-rounder as the speed tailback and a complement to incumbent starter Mark Ingram.

C.J. Spiller has exhibited the ability to catch the football out of the backfield in the past. The Saints were hoping to have a solid one-two punch, with Spiller and Ingram taking turns with the carries.

There were a couple of signs building up to C.J. Spiller’s release that should have received more attention.

Spiller was slow to recover from knee surgery at the start of training and was a bit behind the rest of the team. Once the Saints announced their active roster (courtesy of The Times Picayune) for the season opener, Spiller was a healthy scratch. That raised a few eyebrows. Eventually, the Saints would release him.

Coach Payton revealed the reasons behind C.J. Spiller’s release not long ago. The Saints attempted to trade Spiller first, according to Payton, via the Times Picayune. Once the Saints could not find a trade partner, they had to release Spiller.

C.J. Spiller took the high road (via ESPN) after the Saints let him go.

“This organization really believed in me during free agency. They gave me another opportunity when my contract was up in Buffalo. I have nothing but good relationships that I have built here. It’s a first-class organization that gives the players everything they need to be successful. So, I definitely don’t have any hard feelings.”

Now that C.J. Spiller is a free agent, many fans wonder which team is next to take a chance on him.

There are a few teams who could use a running back, including the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins. Both teams need help with their running games, but for different reasons.

The Browns will be without quarterback Robert Griffin III for at least eight weeks. RGIII suffered a shoulder injury in their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Browns have a running game that is in flux. A solid rushing attack will ease things for backup Josh McCown until RGIII returns.

Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Jr. could turn out to be a solid duo at some point, but neither of them has the combination of talents Spiller has. Spiller has the power of Crowell and the speed of Johnson. His ability to catch the football is what makes him stand out.

The Saints did not take advantage of C.J. Spiller’s tools, but the Browns can. Spiller could allow the Browns to slot the other running backs in the spots they are best suited for. C.J. Spiller would benefit from signing a one-year deal with the Browns in an effort to revitalize his career.

Unlike the Browns and most other teams that may have interest, the Washington Redskins perhaps have the greatest need for Spiller. If the Redskins want to repeat as NFC East champions, they need production from their tailbacks.

There is absolutely zero reason CJ Spiller shouldn't have a workout with the Redskins tomorrow.

— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) September 13, 2016

Matt Jones and Chris Thompson have been underwhelming at best, so someone else needs to be given a shot.

Although C.J. Spiller is 29-years-old, he is capable of taking over the lead running back duties.

In order to have an impact with Washington, the offensive line has to get better holding their blocks. The upside to having Spiller is that he has been known to break tackles in an effort to get to the next level. The Redskins do not have that in Jones and Thompson at this time.

C.J. Spiller is an NFL free agent, but do not expect him to be available for too long. There will be some interest from several teams with a hole at running back. The two teams to keep a close eye on are the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins. It should not come as a surprise if Spiller landed with one of these teams next.

[Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images]