Rashad Jennings

The News and Advocate is reporting free agent running back Rashad Jennings "has aspirations" of signing with an NFL club before the start of the 2017 season. "It’s the offseason where I’m not allowed to be working with a team,” Jennings said via the News and Advocate. “I’m training myself.”

Fantasy Impact

Jennings, who was released by the New York Giants earlier in the offseason, is still expected to sign with a club before the start of the 2017 season despite remaining an unsigned free agent. Coming off of a 2016 season in which he only accumulated 794 total yards and four touchdowns, his worst season since 2012, Jennings may have to wait until the injury bugs bites a team's running back position before he is signed, if at all.

The New York Giants have released running back Rashad Jennings on Monday.

Fantasy Impact

Jennings is the second veteran cut the Giants made on Monday -- they also released Victor Cruz. Jennings' release will save the Giants $2.5 million in cap space, while Cruz's release saved the team $7.5 million. Jennings, 31, was passed on the running back depth chart at the tail end of 2016 by rookie Paul Perkins, which likely spelled the end of his tenure in New York. Although he is on the wrong side of 30, his career will likely continue with a new club in 2017.

NJ.com's James Kratch believes New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings could be the "odd man out" of the team's backfield due to the emergence of Paul Perkins, making him a candidate to be released this offseason.

Fantasy Impact

Jennings, 32, was passed on the Giants' running back depth chart at the end of the 2016 season by standout rookie Paul Perkins. As Perkins will likely enter 2017 as the starter, Jennings could become a salary cap casualty in the offseason as his role on the team has diminished. With Shane Vereen under contract as well, he could also be in the mix to be released if the Giants elect to hold on to Jennings for his "leadership and special teams play." If Jennings is cut, the Giants will save $2.5 million against the cap.

New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings told the media he expects to be retained by the team for 2017. “I expect to be back,” Jennings said via NJ Advance Media. “And I definitely want to be back. I’ve got one more year on my contract, and I’ve got a lot to prove. I look forward to doing it in New York again.”

Fantasy Impact

Jennings, 31, believes he will remain with the Giants next season. However, if he is reteined by the team, it will likely be in a reserve role. Impending sophomore running back Paul Perkins is in line to enter 2017 as New York's starting running back. He surpassed Jennings on the depth chart late in the regular season and maintained the role in the playoffs. For Jennings, he is due $2.48 million next season and could become a salary cap casualty as the offseason progresses.

New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings received five carries for 29 yards rushing and caught his lone target for four yards receiving in Sunday's Wild Card Playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Fantasy Impact

Jennings was invisible in Sunday's loss to the Packers as he only totaled six touches for 33 yards. He is entering his contract year in 2017 and will likely serve as Paul Perkins' backup should New York retain the 31-year-old running back.