Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard didn’t get long-term deals as the NFL’s top free-agent running backs in 2023. They will try again in 2024 after being well-paid on one-year contracts last season.
Barkley isn’t getting the vibe he will be re-signed by the Giants. Jacobs just led the NFL in rushing yards in 2022, but there are reasons for the Raiders to move on from him. Pollard disappointed after being franchise-tagged by the Cowboys.
The Titans’ Derrick Henry and the Charges’ Austin Ekeler round out the big names likely looking for a second NFL team this offseason. It doesn’t hurt those five that the incoming RB draft class is considered relatively weak, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter has already reported none are likely to receive the franchise tag.
A quintet of starting RBs are expected to be available in free agency. 👀 pic.twitter.com/wyRcyDfjXs
— theScore (@theScore) February 26, 2024
With a fair chance that none will be re-signed to stay with their lone league employers, here’s looking at each’s best fit in NFL free agency.
MORE: Franchise tag tracker | Most likely to be traded
Potential landing spots for top free-agent NFL RBs in 2024
Saquon Barkley: Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman want to restore the Chargers’ power rushing attack and also desire a complete back who can boost Justin Herbert in the passing game. Harbaugh had Frank Gore with his best 49ers teams and is looking for some explosiveness and versatility.
Barkley fits a familiar profile, making Harbaugh’s rumored interest viable. Ekeler and backup Joshua Kelley are both free agents, leaving a void for a veteran workhorse.
Josh Jacobs: Chicago Bears
The Raiders had to be impressed with the flashes of Zamir White to finish last season. The latest top back from Georgia proved he could handle a high volume well, and that bodes well for him having a shot to lead the backfield under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
Getsy was replaced by former Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in Chicago. Waldron just reaped the benefits of Kenneth Walker for two seasons and comes from the Sean McVay Rams mindset. Between Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, the Bears still have questions about their young backs, and bridge veteran D’Onta Foreman is a free agent. Jacobs, who just won the rushing title in 2022, would be a fine fit carrying the load to take pressure off the QB, which is unlikely to be Justin Fields.
Derrick Henry: Dallas Cowboys
Eddie George went from his strong Titans career to a short stint rushing for Dallas. Look for Henry to do the same with his hammering running style. The Cowboys could think about bringing back Ezekiel Elliott in addition to last year’s No. 1, Tony Pollard, but adding the King gives them a little more explosive punch and the red-zone pop Pollard suddenly lacked in 2023.
The Cowboys went pass-happy with Dak Prescott by necessity, but they need a power game to better finish drives and set up improved downfield passing shots off play-action. Jerry Jones giving Henry a new throne just seems right.
Tony Pollard: Philadelphia Eagles
Kellen Moore worked with both Tony Pollard and Austin Ekeler as offensive coordinator of the Cowboys and Chargers, respectively, the past two seasons. He’ll now take over that position with the Eagles and could be looking for a familiar face to lead his backfield.
Moore saw what Ekeler could do for only one season, and by then Ekeler was established as a highly efficient receiving and scoring back. Moore spent more time helping Pollard emerge as a dangerous change-of-pace with some feature-like qualities. There’s history here of this NFC East transition, as DeMarco Murray left for Philadelphia after winning the NFL rushing title with Dallas.
Moore’s presence says Pollard can get back on track and be an upgrade over D’Andre Swift. With Swift, Boston Scott, and Rashaad Penny all being free agents, too, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Eagles were fine pairing Pollard with Kenneth Gainwell.
Austin Ekeler: Houston Texans
The Texans learned that Dameon Pierce was not a good rushing fit for Bobby Slowik’s offensive attack. Former Bills starter Devin Singletary did OK when getting some extended volume, but he’s now a free agent after only above-average production.
Houston was a near 60-percent passing team under Slowik last season, and rookie QB C.J. Stroud responded well to that, spreading the ball around to diverse weapons Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Dalton Scbutz. A better receiving back would be a nice target to further boost Stroud. Ekeler also excels at efficient rushing to maximize his blocking. The Texans were a little interested in Ekeler last offseason. That move would pay off coming to fruition during this free agency period.