The NFL offseason is currently in the “dead zone” of post Combine, Free-agency, Draft, Rookie Camp and Minicamp, with over a month away for Training Camp.
NFL fans can use this time to get prepared for the 2024 free-agency class next season, as the running back free-agent group in particular is expected to be exceptionally stacked, with several notable players potentially available to sign with any team.
While some may end up receiving the franchise tag, the majority of these talented running backs will enter the market, making for an intriguing and potentially complicated negotiation process.
Among the running backs currently projected to hit free agency in 2024 are Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans, Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, Joe Mixon of the Cincinnati Bengals, Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers, JK Dobbins of the Baltimore Ravens, Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders, Cordarrelle Patterson of the Atlanta Falcons, A.J. Dillon of the Green Bay Packers, Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys, Gus Edwards of the Baltimore Ravens, Devin Singletary of the Houston Texans, D’Andre Swift of the Philadelphia Eagles, D’Onta Foreman of the Chicago Bears, Clyde Edwards-Helaire of the Kansas City Chiefs, Boston Scott of the Philadelphia Eagles, Damien Harris of the Buffalo Bills, and Cam Akers of the Los Angeles Rams.
Those are just some of the names, and as you can see that’s a very stacked list.
Here’s our rankings of the top three pending free-agent running backs for the 2024 free-agency.
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It is worth noting that due to his age, Jonathan Taylor would’ve been the top choice among those listed, but it is highly unlikely that the Colts will let Taylor walk next season. Thus, we will focus on the three most realistic options for the list.
3. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys
Pollard is a very dynamic running back who possesses electrifying speed and has emerged as one of the top big-play threats in the NFL.
Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 209 pounds, Pollard has consistently averaged over 5.2 yards per carry in three of his four seasons in the league. In 2022, he achieved a career-high 1,007 rushing yards with 12 total touchdowns, earning him a well-deserved Pro Bowl selection. He also added 39 catches for career high 371 yards.
Despite suffering a broken leg in the Cowboys’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas has demonstrated confidence in Pollard by placing the franchise tag on him, and then releasing veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Pollard is set to play the 2023 season under the tag but should become a free agent once again thereafter. If Pollard can recover fully and maintain his impressive form, teams will be eager to acquire his explosive playmaking ability, potentially leading to a substantial contract offer in the 2024 offseason.
2. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Barkely, the 2nd overall pick in the 2018 Draft, is already a 2-time Pro-Bowler and Offensive Rookie of the Year. He also set the record for receptions by a rookie RB in a single season with 91.
However, injuries have hindered his progress in recent years. An ankle injury in 2019 and a torn ACL in 2020 derailed his performances, but Barkley rebounded with a strong showing in his contract year in 2022.
When the Giants secured a long-term extension with quarterback Daniel Jones, they opted to use the franchise tag on Barkley and then reportedly withdrew their long-term contract offer to him, so he’s once again set to hit free-agency next offseason.
Barkley’s 2022 statistics were his career best with 1,312 yards rushing, so a strong 2023 season will be crucial for him to prove his durability and regain his elite form. If he can deliver another outstanding season, Barkley will undoubtedly attract significant interest in the 2024 free agency market, where teams will covet his exceptional athleticism and playmaking abilities.
1. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Henry, the imposing 6’3″, 247-pound running back, enters the final year of his contract with the Tennessee Titans.
Henry has consistently proven himself as a dominant force in the league. In 2020, he won Offensive Player of the Year after a remarkable season when he rushed for 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns. Henry has been named an All-Pro twice, earned three Pro Bowl selections, and has led the league in rushing twice during his career.
His unique combination of size and speed makes him one of the most formidable running backs in NFL history.
With concerns about the team’s rebuild under new general manager Ran Carthon, and with trade rumors swirling around Henry throughout the offseason, plus the Titans’ selection of running back Tyjae Spears in the 2023 NFL Draft, everything suggests they are preparing for the possibility of Henry’s departure in 2024.
Honorable Mention: Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
Another notable name among the running backs projected to hit free agency in 2024 is the Raiders’ Josh Jacobs.
Jacobs has consistently performed at a high level since being drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite Derrick Carr’s struggles in the passing game last season, Jacobs reached a career-high 1,653 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. However, with the franchise tag unsigned and no long-term deal in sight, Jacobs may find himself seeking a new team in 2024.
The 2024 NFL season is a long time from now, but the running back free agency class promises to provide teams with an abundance of talent and potential game-changers.
With players of the caliber of Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, and more expected to hit the open market, the competition to secure their services will be intense.
As teams look to bolster their ground game and find the perfect complement to their offensive schemes, the 2024 free agency period could witness some groundbreaking contracts and franchise-altering moves.
