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No one is running to sign running backs in 2025.
Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs and more filled what was a loaded free agent class in 2024, but that won’t be the case on this trip around the sun. The market is thin, resembling what you might find on the waiver wire during the middle of fantasy football season.
There are a couple of potential impact players available, but teams looking to fill a hole at running back will likely turn to what is a good class available in the NFL draft.
With free agency season upon us, here’s a look at the top running backs set to hit the open market in 2025.
Jones departed Green Bay following the 2023 season but didn’t have to go far to find his next team. The running back stayed in the NFC North and put together a solid season as the Vikings‘ starter in the backfield. Jones totaled 255 carries, a career-high while posting 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns. It was just the fourth time Jones exceeded the 1,000-yard mark in his eight-year career.
He also showed off his dual-threat ability by hauling in 51 receptions for 408 yards and two touchdowns. That makes Jones the best running back on the board in what profiles as a weak class. He is on the wrong side of 30, and injuries have been a concern, but he should come as a cheaper option for 2025 for some running back-needy team.
Harris looks like he’s running in quicksand most of the time, but the physical back is still picking up yards. He is only 26 years old, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in all four seasons. The former Alabama running back is the furthest thing from a home run hitter, however. With 1,277 career touches, Harris’ longest play checks in at 37 yards. Averaging 3.9 yards per carry, his next team will be looking for a bruiser over someone with a little more finesse.
The mileage could be a concern though. Harris has carried the ball at least 200 times in six straight seasons, dating back to his final two years at Alabama. For someone who already doesn’t have that burst, he might have some difficulty landing a starting gig with the NFL draft featuring some strong running back options.
The Chargers took a chance on Dobbins last season and it worked to perfection for both sides. He missed some time with a knee sprain, but the running back turned in his best season as a pro. Dobbins finished 2024 with 227 touches, 1,058 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns. It was the first time he went over 1,000 total yards, and it comes after playing in just nine games over the last three years.
Injuries are always the primary concern with Dobbins, but talent has never been the issue. Finding an NFL home for 2025 should be much easier for him this time around. He is still just 26 years old and coming off a mostly healthy season.
Speaking of injuries, Williams saw his career suffer because of a torn ACL in 2022. He was coming off a strong rookie season that saw him post 1,219 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns despite splitting time with Melvin Gordon III. Finally getting a chance to start, Williams had his second season cut short and hasn’t been the same since.
The 24-year-old made up part of a backfield that failed to impress last season, but maybe he can rediscover his old self with a change of scenery.
The Cowboys neglected to add a running back last offseason after the departure of Tony Pollard and experienced a mostly miserable season all around. However, Dowdle was a bright spot, rushing for 1,079 yards in his first season as the lead back.
While he filled in admirably, Dallas could instead opt to target a running back in the draft. The Cowboys love their stars and to make splashes by acquiring big names. They have the 12th pick in the upcoming draft and figure to be in prime Ashton Jeanty territory. Dowdle might find himself on the outs, but at just 26 years old and having only one season as a full-time starter, there is plenty to potentially unlock. Dowdle could have the highest upside in an underwhelming free-agent running back class.
The theme of injuries continues for this group of free-agent running backs. Chubb returned later in the 2024 season after recovering from a knee injury that required work on his ACL, MCL and meniscus. He later broke his foot and missed the season’s final three games.
Chubb wasn’t exactly impressive in his return either, hitting the 50-rushing yard mark in just three of the eight games he played in. Between the concerns about mileage and durability, Chubb is far from a sure thing in free agency.
Hunt went from unemployment line to Super Bowl runner-up in 2024, successfully reviving his career in Kansas City. The 29-year-old filled in nicely for Isiah Pacheco after the Chiefs‘ starter broke his leg. Hunt turned in 223 touches for 904 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games with the team, showing there is still something left in the tank.
Mattison was given the chance for an expanded role with the Raiders last season and was arguably the best in their backfield committee. He’s always profiled as the running back in the shadows of Dalvin Cook during their time together with the Vikings, but Mattison is certainly a capable running back. At this stage of free agency, teams aren’t going to find stars that will carry an offense though. The 26-year-old doesn’t have a lot of wear and tear, making him a solid contributor for someone this offseason.
Akers has been bitten by injuries throughout his career and bounced around quite a bit. He is firmly in the range of free-agent running backs where a team could take a flier without too much risk. He was a fine backup for Aaron Jones in 2024 and is seemingly a favorite of coaches on the Sean McVay tree, like Kevin O’Connell. The former second-round pick is only 25, and teams always try to find a diamond in the rough.
Gainwell might’ve been stuck in the shadows of Saquon Barkley, but the running back always seemed to answer when called upon. He’s been a backup throughout his career but serves as a change-of-pace player that can do it all. While he won’t be a starter, Gainwell figures to be a cheap option that can bolster any backfield.
The two honorable mentions here – Jaylen Warren and Jordan Mason – would’ve cracked the top 10 if it wasn’t for their status as restricted free agents. Both running backs have proven to be effective players in their careers, but the nature of their free agency complicates matters on the open market.
Warren was the more explosive Steelers‘ running back and his receiving ability would make him a coveted player. Mason filled in nicely for an injured Christian McCaffrey last season but isn’t much of a receiving threat.
