Five running backs who could be traded before Week 1

Who could be available? Below, we examine five running backs who could be on the move in the coming days.

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce

The fourth-year back may have dropped in the Texans running back pecking order after missing preseason Week 2 with an injury. Head coach DeMeco Ryans announced that Nick Chubb is expected to start while Joe Mixon works his way back from the non-football injury list, while veteran Dare Ogunbowale and rookie Woody Marks have stepped up this preseason. 

Pierce is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and trading him before the season would allow the Texans to get something in return for a player who might not have a future in Houston beyond 2025. 

After rushing for 939 yards as a rookie, the 2022 fourth-round pick struggled in Year 2, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. Injuries impacted his 2024, first a hamstring sidelining him for four games and later a groin injury leading to a two-week absence, limiting him to 40 carries. Without an avenue to meaningful playing time, Pierce might be better off elsewhere.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson

The Commanders sat Robinson against the Cincinnati Bengals in preseason Week 2 and quickly showed why they should be just fine without their top running back from last season when wide receiver Deebo Samuel, running back Chris Rodriguez and quarterback Jayden Daniels all ripped big gains on the opening drive. 

Like Pierce, Robinson is entering the last year of his rookie contract. Reports surfaced before Monday's game that the Commanders could move the former third-round pick before Tuesday's roster cuts, and he might be the most likely of this bunch to be on another team by Week 1.

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary

Second-year back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is listed on the first-team offense on the Giants' unofficial depth chart. Singletary, 28, has two years remaining on a three-year contract he signed during free agency in March 2024, but after a down 2024 (Singletary averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per attempt), New York likely isn't too attached to the veteran back.

If on the trade block, Singletary should be available for cheap, which could make him a compelling target for teams seeking a veteran with playoff experience. He's played in 10 career postseason games, gaining 389 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns on 93 carriers while adding 34 receptions for 247 yards.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker

Walker's backup, third-year pro Zach Charbonnet, is coming on strong and could potentially overtake him for the starting role at some point in 2025. The Seahawks could make the move much sooner by dealing Walker before Week 1.

The fourth-year back has missed significant time during training camp, and head coach Mike Macdonald recently discussed its impact in learning first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system, saying "There's a lot of walk-through reps that need to be had, but at some point...you've got to do it on the field."

Another back playing on an expiring deal, Walker's most value to the Seahawks might come in a trade.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White

After beginning last season as starting Raiders running back, White, a 2022 fourth-rounder, suffered a groin injury, forcing him to miss Weeks 5-6. He only rushed 14 times over Las Vegas' next four games before a quad injury ended his season after eight games.

Averaging a paltry 2.8 yards per attempt in 2024, it should only take a late Day 3 pick to acquire White. More appealing options exist on the trade market, but he'd be worth the flier.