As the calendar inches closer to March 17, our anticipation for the ensuing free agent frenzy keeps growing. Franchise tags have been handed out and now only college pro days and some re-signings before the buzzer remain as a distraction from all the chatter surrounding the crop of talented players set to hit the open market this year. In an offseason without an NFL Combine, fans are starved for the most action in football since the Super Bowl.
Of all the positions in the league, running backs seem to be one of the biggest movers year-in and year-out. A position group known for their short careers due to the high intensity of the job has become a highly replaceable gig over the past generation of football. Yet, teams always want to find improvements in their rushing attack, making the science of acquiring players whose productions can vary drastically every season a very inexact science. This year proves to be no different, providing plenty of different potential upgrades for front offices to seek out when the league’s new year begins. Aaron Jones, Chris Carson, and Leonard Fournette highlight some of the big name rushers that this offseason has to offer and could very well end up playing different roles on different teams for the 2021 season and beyond. So, let’s take a look at where some of these running backs could end up:
Aaron Jones – Miami Dolphins
- Projected Contract: 4 years, $60 million ($35M guaranteed)
If the Packers can’t free up the necessary cap space for their Pro Bowler and leading rusher over the past three seasons, Aaron Jones might look to go somewhere a little warmer. Not only is Miami always a desirable destination for free agents to play, but Brian Flores is putting together one of the most talented rosters in recent history for the Dolphins. Myles Gaskin was solid, but clearly not the same difference-maker that Jones is out of the backfield. This move also gives Tua Tagovailoa a solid check-down option and some added help in his development.
Chris Carson – San Francisco 49ers
- Projected Contract: 3 years, $31.5 million ($15M guaranteed)
The two-time 1,000-yard rusher for the Seahawks stays in the NFC West. The 49ers have relied heavily on a committee-by-backfield approach to overcome constant and unfortunate injuries that seem to have plagued San Francisco’s backfield in recent years. Despite missing four games due to injury, Carson has been consistently available otherwise for Seattle and with just over 700 carries in four seasons, the former seventh-round pick could provide the 49ers with a solid chain-mover alongside home-run threat Raheem Mostert.
Phillip Lindsay – Seattle Seahawks
- Projected Contract: 3 years, $27 million ($18M guaranteed)
It’s sounding increasingly unlikely that Phillip Lindsay and the Broncos will continue their working relationship, so a team like the Seahawks could end up taking a shot at the former undrafted free agent. Despite two 1,000-yard seasons in his first two seasons, Lindsay’s value is slightly tanked due to his undersized frame, which prevents him from taking on a full workload. Still, the ‘Hawks could use a speedy running back to pair with either DeeJay Dallas or Rashaad Penney if they don’t want to risk possessing a one-sided offensive attack. If Lindsay can stay healthy through his next contract, this signing would provide a lot of value.
Jeff Wilson Jr. – Atlanta Falcons
Projected Contract: 3 years, $18 million ($10M guaranteed)
Todd Gurley and Brian Hill are free agents this offseason, meaning that the Falcons need to figure out their plan for the backfield this offseason. The cap-strapped franchise won’t be able to land an Aaron Jones or a Phillip Lindsay, but they could possibly land Jeff Wilson if the 49ers pursue another running back with their cap space. The third-year speedster has impressed in Kyle Shanahan’s system and could continue to find success combined with Ito Smith in Atlanta’s offensive attack.
Mike Davis – Los Angeles Chargers
- Projected Contract: 3 years, $15 million ($9M guaranteed)
The Chargers tried so hard to let Joshua Kelley turn into Los Angeles’ home-grown featured power back, but the former UCLA Bruin struggled with fumbles and didn’t look the part of Austin Ekeler’s complement. Justin Jackson looked solid, but his style is a little redundant when compared with Ekeler. With a little cap to spend in the upcoming offseason, the Charger treat themselves to the chain-moving threat they expected from their 2020 fourth-rounder. Mike Davis filled in admirably for the Panthers when they lost Christian McCaffery, putting up the same WAR (wins above replacement) as top free agent Aaron Jones. The sample size isn’t there, but a fill-in running back who puts up 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 8 touchdowns should gladly welcomed into L.A.’s talented backfield.
Jamaal Williams – Pittsburgh Steelers
Projected Contract: 3 years, $15 million ($7.5M guaranteed)
If the Steelers can afford this move, it’s a perfect fit. Jamaal Williams has fresh legs and a 4:1 carry-to-catch ratio throughout his career. For a team that seems to prefer chain movers over home-run threats in the backfield over recent seasons, Williams offers plenty of potential. Ben Roethlisberger used to be able to stand in the pocket and make his progressions due to his strength against tacklers, but at this point in his career, the two-time Super Bowl champ would now likely just prefer to check the ball down in those pressure situations.
Leonard Fournette – New England Patriots
- Projected Contract: 2 years, $12.5 million ($7.5M guaranteed)
“Lombardi Lenny” had a bit of a career resurgence during the Buc’s playoff push. The former LSU superstar was a healthy scratch in Week 14 before ultimately making that his last missed game of the season, and carrying the ball more times from Week 15 to the season’s end than his first 10 games with the team. While it’s no guarantee that Fournette’s legs will keep fresh into another season of the NFL grind, the Patriots would know better than most teams on how to manage a veteran power back. Fournette could fill the LeGarrette Blount role in New England and contribute in the passing game as well for Cam Newton or the Patriots’ rookie QB in 2021.
Kenyan Drake – New York Jets
- Projected Contract: 2 years, $10 million ($6M guaranteed)
Kenyan Drake did not look as spry for the Cardinals in 2020 as he did in 2021. His yards-per-carry dropped from 5.2 to 4.0, and the back only picked up about 300 more rushing yards and 2 more touchdowns in 15 games last season than in his eight games in Arizona the year before. While Drake wasn’t fantastic last season, the unimpressive statistics could also account for Kyler Murray and Chase Edmonds becoming more involved in the rushing attack. While the Jets will probably think wiser than spending big money on another free agent running back after the Le’Veon Bell fiasco of the past couple years, but New York could look for a bargain here and see if Drake can right the ship on a good-value deal.
Duke Johnson Jr. – Cincinnati Bengals
Projected Contract: 2 years, $10 million ($4M guaranteed)
Giovani Bernard is a free agent in the 2022 season, and the longtime Bengal might not even make it until then due to the money potentially saved by the Bengals if the team cuts him sooner. Here’s an option that either gives Cincinnati an eventual successor as a passing back or a straight-up replacement for Bernard. Duke Johnson didn’t do very much during his tenure with the Texans, but the former Brown provides his next team with a potent runner-receiver threat out of the backfield.
James Conner – Washington Football Team
- Projected Contract: 1 year, $6 million ($4M guaranteed)
While initially looking like a solid replacement for Le’Veon Bell, James Conner slowed down a bit over his past two seasons due to injuries to himself and the Steelers’ offensive line. While Conner isn’t guaranteed to look like a fresher option in a new backfield, he could potentially make a Fournette-like resurgence as the featured power back in Washington. With Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic in tow, the offense won’t need to see Conner outside of situations that call for him, and could take advantage of some short-yardage scenarios for the Football Team next year.
Wayne Gallman Jr. – Carolina Panthers
Projected Contract: 1 year, $5.5 million ($3M guaranteed)
With about 800 all-purpose yards in just under 170 touches, Wayne Gallman Jr. is likely to find himself an upgraded role in free agency. The Panthers job initially looks to be more of the same for Gallman, a role behind a superstar in which injuries aren’t out of the question, but the former Giant could find his value in taking off some of Christian McCaffery’s workload. Gallman isn’t quite what Mike Davis was for the team last season, but Carolina would pick up a valuable backup who might not be able to change the pace, but can at least move the chains without McCaffery on the field.
Le’Veon Bell – Buffalo Bills
- Projected Contract: 1 year, $5 million ($2.5M guaranteed)
Devin Singletary and Zack Moss are a potent duo out of the backfield for the Bills. With some cap space, however, they could look to add some insurance at the position in case one of the young running backs ends up injured again. Le’Veon Bell’s best days are behind him, as he seems to lack the top-end speed and elusiveness that once aided him in his career. Still a competent rusher and a plus-receiver out of the backfield for the Chiefs, Bell is the type of backup that Buffalo could possibly rely on in a pinch.
James White – Green Bay Packers
- Projected Contract: 1 year, $5 million ($2M guaranteed)
Without Aaron Jones or Jamaal Williams, the Packers could use someone to pair with A.J. Dillon heading into the 2021 season. James White would allow Aaron Rodgers to move forward with not only an intriguing second-round pick from 2020 in the backfield, but also one of the better receivers out of the backfield in recent NFL history. With more career receptions than rushes, White could co-exist with Dillon without stepping on each other’s toes in the Packers’ offensive scheme.
Todd Gurley – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Projected Contract: 1 year, $3 million ($2M guaranteed)
Todd Gurley rushed for over 4.1 yards-per-carry just twice in his lone season with the Falcons. Gurley’s knees seem to have finally caught up to the former Offensive Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. Still, Gurley has the potential to be a potent red zone running back in the twilight of his career, and without Fournette, the Buccaneers might be the ones to give him the role.
QUEUESPORTS 