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Unlock The Best RB Free Agents For Your Dynasty Dominance

Trends January 12, 2025

Who are the best running backs available in free agency?

Here are some of the best running backs available in free agency:

Best RB Free Agents

With the NFL free agency period underway, teams are looking to add talented players to their rosters. Here are seven key aspects to consider when evaluating the best running backs available in free agency:

Age
Experience
Production
Health
Scheme fit
Contract demands
Team needs

When evaluating running backs, it is important to consider their age and experience. Younger players may have more upside, but older players may be more consistent and reliable. Production is also an important factor to consider, as it gives an indication of how well a player has performed in the past. Health is also a key concern, as injuries can derail a player's career. Scheme fit is also important, as some running backs are better suited to certain offensive schemes than others. Finally, contract demands and team needs should also be considered when evaluating running backs.

1. Age

Age is an important factor to consider when evaluating running backs. Younger players may have more upside, but older players may be more consistent and reliable. Running backs typically begin to decline physically in their early 30s, so it is important to consider a player's age when making a decision about whether or not to sign him.

There are a number of examples of running backs who have had successful careers despite being older. For example, Frank Gore played until he was 37 years old and is the NFL's third all-time leading rusher. Emmitt Smith is another example of a running back who had a long and successful career. He played until he was 35 years old and is the NFL's all-time leading rusher.

However, there are also examples of running backs who have declined rapidly in their early 30s. For example, Adrian Peterson was one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL in his prime, but he has declined significantly in recent years. He is now 37 years old and has not been able to find a consistent role with a team.

Ultimately, it is up to each team to decide how much they value age when evaluating running backs. There are some older running backs who can still be productive, but there is also the risk that they will decline rapidly. Teams need to weigh the pros and cons of signing an older running back before making a decision.

2. Experience

Experience is a key factor to consider when evaluating running backs. Running backs with more experience are typically more consistent and reliable than younger players. They have a better understanding of the game and are more likely to make the right decisions on the field. Additionally, experienced running backs are often better at pass blocking and picking up blitzes, which can be valuable assets to an offense.

Regular Season Games Played
The number of regular season games a running back has played is a good indicator of their experience. Running backs who have played in more games are more likely to be comfortable in different situations and are less likely to make mistakes.
Playoff Experience
Running backs who have experience playing in the playoffs are more likely to be able to perform under pressure. They are also more likely to be familiar with the different schemes and strategies that teams use in the playoffs.
Super Bowl Experience
Running backs who have experience playing in the Super Bowl are the most experienced running backs in the NFL. They have played on the biggest stage and have the most experience dealing with the pressure and intensity of a Super Bowl game.
Pro Bowl Experience
Running backs who have been selected to the Pro Bowl are among the best running backs in the NFL. They have been recognized for their outstanding performance and are likely to be able to continue to perform at a high level.

Overall, experience is a valuable asset for a running back. Running backs with more experience are more likely to be consistent, reliable, and successful. When evaluating running backs, teams should give strong consideration to players with a high level of experience.

3. Production

When evaluating running backs, production is one of the most important factors to consider. Production can be measured in a number of ways, including rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Running backs who are able to produce consistently are more valuable to their teams than those who are not.

Rushing Yards
Rushing yards are the most common way to measure a running back's production. Running backs who are able to gain a lot of rushing yards are valuable because they can help their team move the ball down the field and score points. Some of the best running backs in NFL history, such as Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton, have gained over 10,000 rushing yards in their careers.
Rushing Touchdowns
Rushing touchdowns are another important measure of a running back's production. Running backs who are able to score a lot of rushing touchdowns are valuable because they can help their team put points on the board. Some of the best running backs in NFL history, such as LaDainian Tomlinson and Shaun Alexander, have scored over 100 rushing touchdowns in their careers.
Receiving Yards
Receiving yards are becoming increasingly important for running backs in today's NFL. Running backs who are able to catch passes out of the backfield are valuable because they can help their team move the ball through the air. Some of the best running backs in the NFL today, such as Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara, are excellent receivers out of the backfield.
Receiving Touchdowns
Receiving touchdowns are another important measure of a running back's production in the passing game. Running backs who are able to score receiving touchdowns are valuable because they can help their team put points on the board. Some of the best running backs in NFL history, such as Marshall Faulk and Darren Sproles, have scored over 50 receiving touchdowns in their careers.

Overall, production is a key factor to consider when evaluating running backs. Running backs who are able to produce consistently are more valuable to their teams than those who are not. When evaluating running backs, teams should give strong consideration to players who have a history of producing at a high level.

4. Health

Health is a major concern for running backs, as they are often subjected to a lot of physical punishment. Running backs who are able to stay healthy are more likely to be productive and have a long career. Some of the most important health factors to consider when evaluating running backs include:

Injury history
Running backs with a history of injuries are more likely to be injured again in the future. Teams should carefully consider a running back's injury history before signing him.
Body type
Running backs who are smaller and more compact are less likely to be injured than running backs who are larger and more muscular. This is because smaller running backs are less likely to absorb big hits.
Running style
Running backs who have a physical running style are more likely to be injured than running backs who have a more elusive running style. This is because physical running backs are more likely to take big hits.
Age
As running backs get older, they are more likely to be injured. This is because older running backs are more likely to have accumulated wear and tear on their bodies.

Teams should carefully consider all of these factors when evaluating the health of running backs. Running backs who are healthy are more likely to be productive and have a long career.

5. Scheme fit

Scheme fit is an important consideration when evaluating running backs. Running backs who are a good fit for their team's offensive scheme are more likely to be productive and successful. There are a number of factors to consider when evaluating scheme fit, including:

Running style

Running backs who have a running style that is compatible with their team's offensive scheme are more likely to be successful. For example, a power running back is a good fit for a team that uses a power running scheme, while a scatback is a good fit for a team that uses a spread offense.

Blocking ability

Running backs who are good blockers are valuable in any offensive scheme. They can help to create running lanes for other running backs and protect the quarterback from pass rushers.

Receiving ability

Running backs who are good receivers are valuable in offenses that use a lot of passing. They can help to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties and can be a valuable target for the quarterback on short passes.

Teams should carefully consider scheme fit when evaluating running backs. Running backs who are a good fit for their team's offensive scheme are more likely to be productive and successful.

Here are some examples of running backs who have been successful because of their scheme fit:

Derrick Henry

Henry is a power running back who is a perfect fit for the Tennessee Titans' power running scheme. He is one of the most physical runners in the NFL and is able to consistently gain yards after contact.

Alvin Kamara

Kamara is a scatback who is a perfect fit for the New Orleans Saints' spread offense. He is a versatile running back who can line up in the slot, out wide, or in the backfield. He is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield.

Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey is a do-it-all running back who is a perfect fit for the Carolina Panthers' offensive scheme. He is a talented runner, receiver, and blocker. He is one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL and is able to make an impact in a variety of ways.

These are just a few examples of running backs who have been successful because of their scheme fit. Teams should carefully consider scheme fit when evaluating running backs. Running backs who are a good fit for their team's offensive scheme are more likely to be productive and successful.

6. Contract demands

Contract demands are an important consideration for teams when evaluating running backs. Running backs who are asking for too much money may not be worth the investment, even if they are talented players. Teams need to be able to sign running backs to contracts that fit within their budget.

The best running backs in the NFL are typically paid very high salaries. For example, Christian McCaffrey signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Derrick Henry signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Tennessee Titans in 2019. Alvin Kamara signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints in 2020.

Teams need to be careful not to overpay for running backs. Running backs have a relatively short shelf life, and they are often more likely to get injured than other positions. Teams should only sign running backs to big contracts if they are confident that the player is worth the investment.

Here are some examples of running backs who have been successful despite having high contract demands:

Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL. He is a do-it-all running back who can run, catch, and block. He is worth the high salary that he is paid.

Derrick Henry

Henry is one of the most physical running backs in the NFL. He is a power runner who is able to consistently gain yards after contact. He is worth the high salary that he is paid.

Alvin Kamara

Kamara is one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL. He is a scatback who can line up in the slot, out wide, or in the backfield. He is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield. He is worth the high salary that he is paid.

These are just a few examples of running backs who have been successful despite having high contract demands. Teams need to carefully consider the contract demands of running backs before signing them. Teams should only sign running backs to big contracts if they are confident that the player is worth the investment.

7. Team needs

When evaluating running backs, it is important to consider team needs. Teams that are looking to improve their running game should focus on signing running backs who are a good fit for their offensive scheme and who can fill a specific need. For example, a team that is looking for a power runner to complement their passing game may want to sign a running back who is big, strong, and physical. A team that is looking for a scatback to create mismatches in the passing game may want to sign a running back who is quick, agile, and has good hands.

Need for a lead running back
Teams that are looking for a lead running back should focus on signing running backs who are durable, productive, and have a good all-around skill set. Lead running backs are typically expected to carry the ball 20-25 times per game, so they need to be able to withstand a lot of punishment. They also need to be able to produce consistently, both as a runner and a receiver. Some good examples of lead running backs include Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, and Alvin Kamara.
Need for a change-of-pace running back
Teams that are looking for a change-of-pace running back should focus on signing running backs who are quick, agile, and have good hands. Change-of-pace running backs are typically used to spell the lead running back and to provide a different look for the offense. They are often used in passing situations, as they can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Some good examples of change-of-pace running backs include Nyheim Hines, Tarik Cohen, and Darren Sproles.
Need for a blocking running back
Teams that are looking for a blocking running back should focus on signing running backs who are strong, physical, and have good technique. Blocking running backs are typically used to help create running lanes for other running backs and to protect the quarterback from pass rushers. They are not typically expected to be major contributors in the passing game. Some good examples of blocking running backs include Mike Davis, Patrick Ricard, and Andy Janovich.
Need for a receiving running back
Teams that are looking for a receiving running back should focus on signing running backs who have good hands, good route-running skills, and good speed. Receiving running backs are typically used in passing situations, as they can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. They can also be used to help spread the field and create space for other receivers. Some good examples of receiving running backs include Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Saquon Barkley.

Teams should carefully consider their team needs when evaluating running backs. By signing running backs who are a good fit for their scheme and who can fill a specific need, teams can improve their chances of success.

FAQs on Best RB Free Agents

Question 1: Who are the top running backs available in free agency?

Some of the top running backs available in free agency include:

Saquon Barkley
Josh Jacobs
Kareem Hunt
Tony Pollard
Melvin Gordon

Question 2: What are the most important factors to consider when evaluating running backs?

When evaluating running backs, the most important factors to consider include:

Age
Experience
Production
Health
Scheme fit
Contract demands
Team needs

Question 3: How can teams identify the best running back for their team?

To identify the best running back for their team, teams should:

Evaluate the running back's age, experience, production, health, scheme fit, contract demands, and team needs.
Consider the team's offensive scheme and identify the type of running back that would be the best fit.
Research the running back's injury history and evaluate their overall health.
Be prepared to pay a competitive salary for a top running back.

Question 4: What are the potential risks of signing a running back in free agency?

The potential risks of signing a running back in free agency include:

The running back may not live up to expectations.
The running back may get injured.
The running back may not be a good fit for the team's offensive scheme.
The running back may demand a high salary.

Question 5: What are some tips for successful running back free agency signings?

Some tips for successful running back free agency signings include:

Do your research and identify the best running backs available.
Be prepared to pay a competitive salary.
Make sure the running back is a good fit for your team's offensive scheme.
Be prepared to be patient and negotiate a contract that works for both sides.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought: Signing a running back in free agency can be a great way to improve your team's offense. However, it's important to do your research and identify the best running backs available. You should also be prepared to pay a competitive salary and make sure the running back is a good fit for your team's offensive scheme.

Transition to the next article section: Now that you know more about the best running backs available in free agency, you can start to evaluate which players would be the best fit for your team.

Conclusion

The NFL free agency period is a time when teams can sign players who are not under contract with another team. This year, there are a number of talented running backs available, including some who could make a significant impact on their new team. When evaluating running backs, teams should consider a number of factors, including age, experience, production, health, scheme fit, contract demands, and team needs.

Signing a running back in free agency can be a great way to improve your team's offense. However, it's important to do your research and identify the best running backs available. You should also be prepared to pay a competitive salary and make sure the running back is a good fit for your team's offensive scheme.

The running backs listed above are all talented players who could make a significant impact on their new team. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this article, teams can identify the best running back for their team and improve their chances of success.