NFL running backs proved in 2024 that the position shouldn’t be devalued. Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs made massive impacts after signing with new teams during the 2024 free-agency period.
Will a free-agent running back make a similar impact in 2025? NFL free agency begins in March.
Running backs Aaron Jones, Nick Chubb, J.K. Dobbins and Najee Harris are some of the top free-agent running backs available. The legal tampering period starts March 10 and the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 12.
Where will the top free-agent ball carriers end up this offseason? USA TODAY Sports analyzes the best fits for the best free-agent running backs this offseason.
NFL free agent RB best fits
Aaron Jones (2024 team: Minnesota Vikings)
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Jones amassed a career-high 1,138 rushing yards in his first season in Minnesota. He also caught 51 balls for 408 yards. He totaled seven touchdowns from scrimmage. Despite being on the other side of 30, Jones remains a starting-caliber running back. He proved to be a valuable piece for the Vikings during their 14-3 regular season.
Whether the Vikings hand the quarterback keys to J.J. McCarthy or decide to bring back Sam Darnold for another go-round, the team should retain Jones. Jones is the type of running back who can expedite McCarthy’s learning curve, and he has already shown that he fits in with Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Nick Chubb (2024 team: Browns)
Chubb played in eight games after returning from a serious 2023 season-ending knee injury. The one-cut downhill running back didn’t quite have the same burst post-knee injury. However, most skill-positioned players take around two years to fully recover from a serious injury.
It’s hard to fathom Chubb wearing a different uniform; however, the Browns appear headed toward a rebuild following Myles Garrett’s trade request. The 29-year-old would be a good fit in a backfield-by-committee system at this juncture of his career.
Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren is a restricted free agent. Najee Harris is an unrestricted free agent. The Steelers seem poised to keep Warren. He and Chubb would be a nice change-of-pace duo in the backfield for Pittsburgh.
J.K. Dobbins (2024 team: Chargers)
Dobbins rushed for a career-high 905 yards and equaled a career-best nine touchdowns despite missing four games due to a knee injury. He was an NFL Comeback Player of the Year nominee for his performance.
Injuries have plagued Dobbins’ entire career, but he’s a productive running back when on the field. He has a career average of 5.2 yards per carry and was the Chargers’ best offensive weapon when healthy this season.
The Chargers offense is void of playmakers and the franchise shouldn’t allow one of their only weapons to walk out the door.
Najee Harris (2024 team: Steelers)
Best fit: Las Vegas Raiders
Harris is the first running back in Steelers franchise history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons in the NFL. He doesn’t have big-play ability and has a lot of miles on his body. However, he’s a capable running back who is still a quality starter.
The Steelers could decide to give Harris a contract extension or let Jaylen Warren take over the reins.
The Las Vegas Raiders played last year without a starting-caliber quarterback or running back. New Raiders head coach Pete Carroll likes to establish the run. Pop on the film from Carroll’s days in Seattle with Marshawn Lynch. Harris can run in a similar zone-run schemed offense.
Javonte Williams (2024 team: Broncos)
The young running back totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in two of his four seasons in Denver. However, he’s averaged under four yards per carry since a 2022 knee injury.
Williams’ modest 513 rushing yards led the Broncos. His opportunities decreased in the latter portion of the season in what ended up being a backfield-by-committee approach in Denver. A change of scenery appears to be what’s best for him. Williams will be 25 years old at the start of next season so he’s among the youngest free-agent backs.
Cowboys starting running back Rico Dowdle is a free agent. The Cowboys might select a running back in the 2025 NFL draft as they attempt to upgrade the position, but Williams would give Dallas some reliable insurance in the backfield.
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