Benny Cunningham

Although Cunningham likely won't see much work with Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen leading the backfield, he could have a path to playing time should the team suffer injuries at running back. However, even with Cohen being drastically underused by the former coaching staff last year, Cunningham gathered just nine rushing attempts and 20 receptions, so his opportunity for regular work may not be in the cards. With new coach Matt Nagy installing a fast-paced attacking offense, Cunningham could see sporadic work as a third-stringer, but if he gets a chance to see regular snaps, his ability as a receiver would likely be his best path to fantasy production, especially since he has a 45-catch season on his resume. Don't expect him to contribute much as a runner, since he's failed to top 3.8 yards per carry in three of the last four seasons. In addition, if the team chooses to use him as a returner, he'd have a little added value in leagues that reward return yardage, as he's averaged over 20 kickoff returns per season during his five years in the league, though he only had seven in his first campaign with the Bears.

The Bears were in clear need of a running back with receiving skills after Jeremy Langford struggled last year and Jordan Howard performed best as an early-down runner, precipitating Cunningham's signing to bolster the backfield. Although passing downs are his best chance to carve out a role, the team used a fourth-round draft choice on Tarik Cohen, and should the explosive rookie capitalize on his potential, Cunningham could end up seeing most of his time on kick returns.

A 2013 UDFA, the 26-year-old Cunningham has more receiving yards (661) than rushing yards (647) through the first three seasons of his career, having mostly served as the Rams' third-down back. He's likely slated for a similar role after re-signing on a one-year, $1.7 million contract, but it is quite possible the Rams will want Todd Gurley to assume more of the third-down work now that he isn't a rookie. In any case, Gurley will dominate the carries so long as he's healthy, and while Cunningham will likely take the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, this isn't a clear handcuff situation. Though his 5-10, 215-pound frame may seem sufficient for a lead-back job, Cunningham is neither particularly quick nor powerful, mostly offering value with his hands, pass-blocking and work on special teams.

Seemingly buried on the running back depth chart behind Zac Stacy and Tre Mason to begin the 2014 season, Cunningham ended up carving a little niche for himself as a third-down back to finish off the campaign. While he only had one game with more than 30 yards rushing, he did collect 45 catches for 352 yards and a touchdown by the end of the season. With Stacy gone and Todd Gurley in town, Cunningham's 2015 role is unlikely to change. He should still pick up three to five catches a game with an occasional rush attempt thrown in there, especially if Gurley is not ready for the beginning of the season.

An undrafted signee out of Middle Tennessee, Cunningham impressed in his limited opportunities last season, particularly when he saw heavier work in Weeks 10 and 12, turning a total of 20 carries into 181 yards and a touchdown in those two games. He was sparingly used otherwise and figures to again slot into a depth role this year, backing up Zac Stacy, with rookie Tre Mason also in the mix on that front. The explosive Cunningham will also serve as the Rams' primary kick returner.