The NFL Running Back: Reviving a Devalued Position
Is the NFL running back making a comeback? In recent years, the position has been largely devalued, both in contracts and the draft, with teams often prioritizing other positions. However, standout seasons by the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley and the Ravens’ Derrick Henry have reminded us that a talented back can still be a game-changer. While this year’s free agent pool may not feature players as dynamic as Barkley and Henry, it does offer a range of options that could thrive with the right support. Teams with solid offensive lines might take a closer look at these running backs, betting that a good back in a better system could become a star. Here are the top 10 running backs available in free agency, along with 10 more to watch.
Top 10 Running Backs Available in Free Agency
10. Elijah Mitchell, 49ers (NR)
Elijah Mitchell, just 26 years old, missed the entire 2024 season due to a hamstring injury. However, his career average of 4.7 yards per carry and a rookie year where he ran for 963 yards make him an intriguing option. Mitchell’s previous offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, is now the head coach of the Dolphins, and his history with McDaniel could make Miami a potential destination. Mitchell could be a solid complementary back for a team looking to strengthen its running game.
9. Kareem Hunt, Chiefs (NR)
At 29, Kareem Hunt has shown he can still be a reliable back when given the opportunity. In his return to the Chiefs, he rushed for 728 yards and seven touchdowns in just seven games. While his average of fewer than four yards per carry suggests his stats are volume-driven, Hunt’s consistency makes him a valuable asset. Given the Chiefs’ history of injuries, bringing Hunt back on a modest deal would be a smart move, providing insurance in case Isiah Pacheco is unavailable.
8. Jordan Mason, 49ers (NR)
Jordan Mason, a 25-year-old restricted free agent, stepped up when Christian McCaffrey was injured, rushing for 789 yards and averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Despite his limited career carries (236), Mason has demonstrated his potential. The 49ers might face a tough decision if another team makes a competitive offer, as they have several unrestricted free agents to consider. Mason’s low mileage could make him an appealing option for a team looking for a high-upside back.
7. Jaylen Warren, Steelers (NR)
Jaylen Warren, a restricted free agent, has been a consistent performer in Pittsburgh, averaging 4.8 yards per carry over the past three years. He also contributes as a receiver, averaging 42 catches per year. If the Steelers offer him a low tender of $3.2 million for one year, an outside team could make a compelling offer sheet, forcing Pittsburgh to decide whether to match. Warren’s versatility and efficiency make him a valuable addition for any team.
6. Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles (94)
Kenneth Gainwell, still in his early years, has not accumulated significant mileage. He has never had more than 84 carries in a season, but he has a solid career average of 4.2 yards per carry and has caught 102 passes over four years as an Eagles backup. Gainwell has been behind three different 1,000-yard rushers, so he might look to find a new team where he can compete for a larger role.
5. Nick Chubb, Browns (73)
Nick Chubb, 29, has been a powerhouse when healthy, making four straight Pro Bowls from 2019 to 2022. However, injuries have limited him in the past two seasons, reducing his impact. Despite this, he has a proven track record, rushing for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns in his last fully healthy season. Chubb’s health is the main concern, but if he can stay on the field, he remains a top-tier back.
4. Rico Dowdle, Cowboys (61)
Rico Dowdle burst onto the scene at the end of the 2024 season, finishing with 1,079 yards in his first full season as a feature back. Most of his production (677 yards) came in the last seven games, thanks to increased usage (20.3 carries per game compared to 10.3 in the first nine). At 26, with only 331 career carries, Dowdle has shown significant potential. His low mileage and strong finish to the season could make him an attractive option for a team looking to build its running game.
3. J.K. Dobbins, Chargers (44)
J.K. Dobbins, 26, has had a tumultuous start to his NFL career, missing much of his first three seasons due to injuries. However, he made a significant impact in Los Angeles, rushing for 905 yards and setting a new career high. With only 429 career carries, Dobbins has low mileage, but his injury history (knee and Achilles) could be a concern. Despite this, his potential and strong start with the Chargers make him an intriguing prospect.
2. Aaron Jones, Vikings (34)
Aaron Jones, 30, is poised to benefit from the resurgence of the running back position. In his first year with the Vikings, he reset his career high with 1,138 rushing yards, caught 51 passes, and scored seven touchdowns. While he may not be in the same tier as Barkley or Henry, his consistent production and dual-threat capabilities make him a valuable asset. Jones, who earned $7 million from the Vikings last year, could command a higher salary this time around.
1. Najee Harris, Steelers (14)
Najee Harris, 27, has been a consistent performer for the Steelers, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of the past four seasons. He played a full 17-game season for the fourth consecutive year, demonstrating his durability. Harris turns 27 in March and should benefit from the renewed interest in running backs. While he may not be in the top tier like Barkley and Henry, Harris is a step above the rest and could be the highest-paid running back in this free-agent class.
Additional Names to Watch
10 More Running Backs to Keep an Eye On
- Ameer Abdullah (Raiders)
- Cam Akers (Vikings)
- A.J. Dillon (Packers)
- Chase Edmonds (Buccaneers)
- Ty Johnson (Bills)
- Alexander Mattison (Raiders)
- Dare Ogunbowale (Texans)
- Patrick Taylor (49ers)
- Javonte Williams (Broncos)
- Jeff Wilson (Dolphins)
These players, while not as highly ranked, could still make significant impacts in the right systems. Each has shown moments of brilliance and could be the missing piece for a team looking to strengthen its running game.
Conclusion
The NFL running back position may have been devalued in recent years, but the performances of stars like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry have reignited interest. This year’s free-agent class offers a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent, each capable of making a significant impact. Whether it’s a team with a solid offensive line looking to revitalize its running game or a young back seeking a larger role, the 2025 free agent market for running backs is worth watching closely.
