Running back C.J. Spiller, after he was cut by the Saints in September, could have collected the balance of his $1.7 million guaranteed salary and not played. To his credit, he has tried to continue his career -- essentially for free.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked.
Signed and cut by the Seahawks before being signed and cut by the Jets, Spiller will now pass through waivers. If he clears waivers, what next?
He could wait and see what happens, if/when a contending team loses a running back during or just before the playoffs. Or he could take whatever he can find now, and hope for the best.
The smart move once again would be to wait for a chance to play in the postseason, when plenty of other teams are done for the year and trying to figure out their plans for 2017. If he plays and plays well, he could get a chance to earn a significant role with a new team in 2017.
Spiller hasn’t previously been willing to wait, however. He pounced on an opportunity with Seattle, and then again on his limited chance with the Jets.
He leaves the Jets with three carries for nine yards. He had three carries for nine yards for the Seahawks.
Only four years ago, Spiller had more than 1,700 yards from scrimmage. So he can still play; for whatever reason, however, it simply hasn’t happened this year for him.
The best news that has happened to Spiller this year arguably comes from being cut by the Jets, a team that definitely won’t be giving him a playoff platform. He should now wait for a situation that does -- unless someone like the Browns or the 49ers claims him on waivers.