Insider names two most-coveted RBs in stacked free-agency class
With longtime New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley officially becoming a free agent on Tuesday, he joins what ESPN's Adam Schefter is calling the "Best class of RBs in free agent history."
Senior NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Tuesday that Barkley is currently one of two players at the position "at the top of" the batch of stud ball carriers.
Teams will have a bevy of factors to weigh when it comes to how they value the group of star running backs. Front offices will have to look not only at the player's 2023 performance but many other things like age, durability and financials.
Among Barkley, Austin Ekeler, D'Andre Swift, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard, Swift has the edge in youth at 25 years old. Jacobs and Pollard are 26 (though the latter turns 27 in April), Barkley is 27, Ekeler is 28 (turning 29 in May) and King Henry is the elder statesman at 30 years old.
Durability is a bit trickier to compare, given that Swift is the newest member of the NFL with only four seasons under his belt and the range of experience among the players goes up to eight years for Henry.
Thus far though, Pollard has been able to suit up the most on average, missing only four games in his five seasons. He played in all 17 games during the 2023 campaign -- the first time not having to split time with Ezekiel Elliott -- and was on the field for a career-high 836 offensive snaps.
On the other end, Barkley has had the most trouble with injuries, missing 24 contests in his six seasons. The two-time Pro Bowler hasn't played a full season since his rookie campaign, missing three contests in 2019, 14 in 2020, four in 2021, one in 2022 and three last season.
As noted by Russini though, Barkley may command the largest contract, thanks in large part to his three seasons of 1,000-plus rushing yards. The former AP Offensive Rookie of the Year posted career highs in rushing attempts (295) and rushing yards (1,312) in 2022 before recording 247 attempts, 962 yards and six rushing scores behind a brutal Giants' offensive line last year.
Like Barkley, Jacobs had a huge 2022 season before struggling in 2023.
The Alabama product stayed healthy for all 17 games last year and led the league with career highs in touches (393), rushing yards (1,653) and yards from scrimmage (2,053). Jacobs earned his second Pro Bowl honor, first First Team All-Pro nod and finished fifth in the AP Offensive Player of the Year voting.
He was limited to 13 games in 2023, dropped to 270 touches and career lows in rushing yards (805) and yards from scrimmage (1,101).
Teams will have a lot to consider when evaluating potential offers for a member of the historic group of running backs this offseason.
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