NFL Big-Name Running Backs Headed For Free Agency As Market Continues To Tank

If you thought the market for NFL running backs was depressed the past couple of years, wait until you see what's coming down the pike in free agency when it begins next week.

The runners scheduled to hit free agency when the negotiating period starts March 11 are a veritable who's who of performance at the position.

Derrick Henry, 30, is the NFL's active leader in rushing yards (9,502) and rushing touchdowns (90).

Saquon Barkley, 27, is a three-time 1,000-yard rusher and has often carried the New York Giants offense in times when the passing game and offensive line failed.

Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders led the league in rushing in 2022, but the team has not offered him a long-term contract. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Rushing Champ To Hit Free Agency

Josh Jacobs, 26, is a three-time 1,000-yard rusher and led the league with 1,653 yards in 2022.

Austin Ekeler, 28, led the NFL in touchdowns in 2021 (20) and 2022 (18).

Tony Pollard, 26, has had consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and his career 4.8 yards per carry average is sixth among active running backs.

And D'Andre Swift, 25, was selected to the Pro Bowl last year and was fifth in the league in rushing with 1,049 yards.

All of these guys would and should be collecting big paydays in free agency if they were a player equivalent at a different position. But because they're running backs, and the NFL has lately devalued the position because it's a passing league, the path in free agency for these accomplished veterans will be intriguing.

And possibly humbling.

There are already clues that's going to be the case.

All eyes will be on Tony Pollard moving forward after the Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Pollard Goes From Tag To Free Agency

Last season, their respective teams used the franchise tag on Barkley, Jacobs and Pollard. And while the tag paid each $10.091 million guaranteed for one season, that's where it stopped. The three running backs were the only players tagged that didn't eventually get a long-term deal from their teams.

And this year, well, no running back has been tagged as the 4 p.m. Tuesday deadline for doing so approaches. And no teams are expected to do that, either.

So the tag that Barkley and Jacobs didn't love last year? It might become an aspirational number for an annual average on a long-term contract come the start of free agency. And that in a year when the salary cap skyrocketed by nearly $30.6 million for each team. 

"What do I think of the free agent running back market? Yeah, I mean, there's some good names there," Giants general manager Joe Schoen said at the NFL scouting combine. "I mean, it's a little bit of a saturated market. There are some guys at different ages that have had success. There’s some older guys that have had some success. So, it's a diverse group."

It's a diverse group facing enormous challenges.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler could be replaced by a younger running back. (Getty Images)

Rookies Come Younger And Cheaper

Henry, for example, has a lot of production to his name. But also a lot of wear on the tires, as he's second among active runners with 2,185 career carries. That kind of use and Henry's age could make teams think twice about signing him to a contract of more than two years. 

Ekeler is smallish, his production has declined, and there are half-a-dozen running backs in the coming draft that, while unproven in the NFL, are forecast to be comparable. And those prospects will be younger. And play on rookie contracts that are cheaper.

Pollard, by all accounts, should be getting paid. If he were a wide receiver or offensive tackle or quarterback. He had an excellent season in 2022 and took on the job as the Dallas lead back last year. He had a comparable year.

But his reward is he can hit the market and see what happens. 

Swift should be at the top of the market. He had his first 1,000-yard season and was named to his first career Pro Bowl in 2023. And he seemingly had more to give had the Eagles not fielded such a disappointing offense.

But the Eagles don't typically play running backs. So Swift might still hit the free agent market unless something significant gets done before next week. 

Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants.  (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Saquon Barkley Headed To Free Agency

And then there's Barkley. He's been wildly productive when healthy. But both his production and health have been inconsistent. The talent could resonate with some teams. But they're going to wonder why the Giants, who know him best and love him most, let him hit the market.  

The Giants want Barkley back. That's not in question. And that's not my opinion.

"He's a guy we'd like to have back," Schoen said.

The thing is that's sort of an incomplete thought. The Giants would like Barkley back under the right contract. And Barkley would like to return to the Giants at his number.

But there's a gulf between New York's number and Barkley's. So, barring a last minute change of direction to the talks that have happened recently, Barkley is going to hit free agency.

"I wouldn't say his value has changed, especially in the organization," Schoen said. "He’s a captain, he's a leader, he's a hard worker. I think the world of Saquon and I still think he can play. So, my value for Saquon really hasn't changed. 

"Unfortunately, throughout the process, starting back in November of 2022, we weren't able to come to an agreement in terms of where we both thought a deal made sense."

Dalvin Cook says he's enjoying the free agency process. (Getty Images)

Stable Of Big-Name Free Agents RBs

Finally there's this: Running backs are typically among the easiest positions to scout and find. There's lots of good ones. And the veteran market isn't stopping with the stars just named.

Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fournette, Kareem Hunt and Devin Singletary are all scheduled to be free agents. These guys were stars maybe two years ago. They're all headed toward free agency this offseason. 

And what looks to be a depressed market for them.