The free agency period for the 2024 NFL season opened frantically as teams tried to acquire the best players in the market. The player movement is highly evident at running back with some of the top names joining new teams.
Josh Jacobs is the biggest winner of all after agreeing to a four-year, $48 million contract with the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately, his signing led to Aaron Jones’ departure. Multiple reports shared that Jones refused to take a pay cut, leading to his release. Jones finished the 2023 season with 656 yards and two touchdowns.
Details on Packers RB Josh Jacobs’ 4-year, $48 million deal.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 12, 2024
• $14.8 million in 2023.
• $12.5 million to sign.
• $23 million over 2 years.
• $34.5 million over 3 years.
True year-to-year deal—only guaranteed money is the signing bonus.
Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley will join the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract. Barkley played for the New York Giants on a one-year deal last season. He became a free agent after the team that drafted him second overall in 2018 refused to designate him with the franchise tag or give him an extension.
With Barkley being the lead back in Philadelphia, D’Andre Swift joins the Chicago Bears on a three-year $24 million contract. Swift played the 2023 season with the Eagles and earned a Pro Bowl selection after collecting 1,049 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
The Giants replaced Barkley by acquiring Devin Singletary on a three-year, $16.5 million contract. After spending four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, he played for the Houston Texans.
Meanwhile, Antonio Gibson left the Washington Commanders for the New England Patriots on a three-year, $11.25 million deal. Conversely, Austin Ekeler will join Washington on a two-year, $8.34 million contract.
The Cincinnati Bengals will sign Zach Moss to a two-year, $8 million contract. He played well for the Indianapolis Colts last season until Jonathan Taylor took over as lead back. Moss’ signing led to Joe Mixon’s departure from Cincinnati.
Finally, Gus Edwards will replace Ekeler on the Los Angeles Chargers after agreeing to a two-year, $6.5 million deal.
While several running backs will join new teams, other marquee names like Jones, Mixon, and Derrick Henry remain free agents.
-Lance Fernandez