The curtain drops on free agency tomorrow, and the most compelling action will be at running back. There are lots of options available, along with a deeper than usual group coming up in the draft, making for a buyer’s market.
Three backs have been protected by the franchise tag: Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard. None of them are going anywhere. But even without those guys, the situation at running back is a lot more compelling than at wide receiver, where it’s a down year for both free agency (where the top option is Jakobi Meyers) and the draft.
Two of the teams that run the ball best – Eagles, Bears – have starting running backs headed for the market. While those teams could re-sign Miles Sanders and David Montgomery, they may instead up to sign someone cheaper. The Eagles would need a starter-type back, while the Bears would looking for someone to pair with Khalil Herbert. Those are situations that are on everyone’s radar for fantasy purposes.
The Browns need to settle on a backup behind Nick Chubb. Both Kareem Hunt and D’Ernest Johnson have had some big games, but Cleveland might look to go younger and cheaper, leaving those guys looking for jobs.
Damien Harris and Devin Singletary have extensive starting experience. They’re available. As is D’Onta Foreman, who was playing well at the end of last season. Jamaal Williams led the league in rushing touchdowns last year; he’s also available.
Rashaad Penny has averaged over 6 yards per carry two years in a row but has struggled with injuries. Some team will sign him as a high-upside second back.
Not listed is Joe Mixon. There have been some reports the Bengals might look to create salary cap room by releasing him (David Montgomery is from Cincinnati, for whatever that’s worth). And the Cowboys will release Ezekiel Elliott unless he agrees to a pay cut. There was also a report last week that the Titans are open to trading Derrick Henry.
With there being more jobs than players, I would think some players will be quick to sign relatively modest deals, figuring they’d better grab a dance partner before they’re all gone. Should make for an noteworthy week.
| TOP 20 FREE AGENT RUNNING BACKS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rk | Name | 2022 team |
| 1 | (Tag) Saquon Barkley | NY Giants |
| 2 | (Tag) Josh Jacobs | Las Vegas |
| 3 | (Tag) Tony Pollard | Dallas |
| 4 | Miles Sanders | Philadelphia |
| 5 | David Montgomery | Chicago |
| 6 | Damien Harris | New England |
| 7 | D'Onta Foreman | Carolina |
| 8 | Rashaad Penny | Seattle |
| 9 | Devin Singletary | Buffalo |
| 10 | Kareem Hunt | Cleveland |
| 11 | Jamaal Williams | Detroit |
| 12 | Alexander Mattison | Minnesota |
| 13 | Samaje Perine | Cincinnati |
| 15 | D'Ernest Johnson | Cleveland |
| 14 | Jeff Wilson | 49ers/Dolphins |
| 16 | Jerick McKinnon | Kansas City |
| 17 | Raheem Mostert | Miami |
| 18 | Chase Edmonds | Dolphins/Broncos |
| 19 | Darrell Henderson | Rams/Jaguars |
| 20 | Mike Boone | Denver |
—Ian Allan