The running back market has always been a weird one. A difference maker like Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley can go a long way, but replacement-level backs are floating around, ready for cheap deals. These are some of the best free agent running backs remaining, and some team fits for their future homes.
Team Fits: Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals
The Browns have decided to go in a completely different direction. They double-tapped the running back position with Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, and now Chubb finds himself looking for a new team for the first time in the NFL. Chubb is seventh among active players in rushing yards and can provide a reliable veteran presence for any running back room.
Team Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants
Akers is another player who had injuries sap his early career. At least in 2024, he showed he can be a nice part of a rotation for a backfield and hold down the fort while the starter gets a breather. He certainly doesn’t have the same expectations that he had coming out of the draft, but the vision and ability to make a guy miss are still present.
Team Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders
Edwards was far from efficient in 2024 but dealt with injuries throughout the season. Edwards is over the hill, but he can be an emergency backup or a mentor for a young running back trying to make their way in the league.
Team Fits: Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers
The running back well dries up quickly this time of year. Foreman is nothing more than an emergency replacement at this stage of his career. He’s been inefficient the past two seasons, but has experience in the new kick return format if a team really needs some help in that department.
Team Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs
For teams that need an explosive pass-catching specialist, Abdullah would have been a great choice. In 2018. Now he’s more like an old farm truck. Won’t be a ton of fun in wide open spaces, but he can get from point A to point B with little to no issue. As teams need depth, Dobbins, Chubb, and maybe Akers can provide some juice at this stage. But Abdullah and Foreman are likely relics of the past.
Team Fits: New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals
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