While there may be opinion that this year’s running back draft class does not feature a ton of talent (our opinions have not yet been decided), one cannot say the same for this year’s free agent class. There are multiple different options both as lead backs, role players, and gadget backs. The strength of this group may cause multiple teams in need of a running back or backs to pass on drafting any and use their picks to address other positions, causing this draft class to fall even further. There are ten backs in this article, but you could make the case to include even more as those who could find a role in an offense next year.

Leonard Fournette, 27

Fournette enters this free agency at the top of the class in our opinion. It is to be seen whether or not you feel Fournette has lived up to his draft position, but of all the backs taken in the top ten in recent memory he has certainly worked out more than most. Despite never having over 1000 yards with the Buccaneers, Fournette put together a memorable playoff run that resulted in a Super Bowl win and this past season caught over 60 passes for the second time in his career. He seems to have a lot left in the tank and may be the only true feature back, although others could potentially have feature back potential depending on the team. He is a power back with good speed and can fit in most offenses. Maybe one with a pass catcher already established could be best, but this is not a necessity.

Possible Fits: Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons

Sony Michel, 26

Formerly labeled a bust and perhaps one of the less successful top picks of the Belichick era in New England. However, since his trade to the Rams he seems to be rejuvenated. While his numbers do not pop off the page, he has filled in admirably for often injured Cam Akers. He has played so well in fact that he has most likely played his way into a decent contract. Michel is the classic back who can do a little of everything fine, but nothing particularly well. He may not have the 60 yard touchdown runs, but he can get the four and five yard runs every time. He also has decent hands and could take on an expanded pass catching role if needed. I think Michel goes to a team that needs an early down back or someone to pair with a primarily pass catching back.

Possible Fits: Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, New York Jets

Rashaad Penny, 26

This is perhaps the biggest upside signing possible of any of the running backs available. Viewed as a monumental bust and a huge reach on draft day, Penny could barely stay healthy to show what he could do on the field. However, an insane stretch from weeks 14 to 18 this past season that saw him rush for over 650 yards has his stock trending way up. He averaged a very impressive 6.3 yards per carry on 119 carries. He has always shown potential with a career yards per carry of 5.6, it is just whether or not he can stay healthy. If he can, the team that signs him could get a steal based on his contract. Yet, if he is hurt all the time, it could be a waste of a signing. We would not be surprised to see his contract heavy with incentives.

Possible Fits: Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals 

Cordarrelle Patterson, 30

It happened. Someone finally figured out how to use Patterson to his fullest potential. After his role being teased as a running back in New England, the Falcons truly expanded that role and Patterson flourished. On the season he had over 600 rushing yards and over 500 receiving yards with 11 total touchdowns. It is safe to say he should cash in on this with his biggest contract (at least monetarily) to date. We see him going to a playoff contender that needs some flexibility and or a versatile weapon on the offense. 

Possible Fits: Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots

Marlon Mack, 25

It really is a toss up between Jones and Mack as they are similar in a few different ways, for us we have Mack slightly ahead. Once seemingly a big riser in football, especially as the lead back in Indy, Mack has endured injuries and the emergence of Jonathan Taylor which has resulted in minimal playing time. He was heavily involved in trade rumors at the deadline at his request it seems, yet was not dealt. He is now a free agent to pursue any opportunity he wants. Unfortunately, because of the reasons mentioned above, we just have not seen much of him and therefore it is difficult to guess as to what kind of role he will have. He seems to fit best paired with a power back or in a situation with an often injured starter in need of a high-profile backup.

Possible Fits: Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons

Ronald Jones, 24

Similar to Marlon Mack, Ronald Jones II has had an up and down start to his career. Various injuries and seemingly always being in Arian’s dog house have prevented Jones from receiving over 200 carries.Last year, specifically he seemed to lose the trust of Arians and Brady and never was able to regain that. However, he is still just 24 years old and still should potentially have a lot of upside compared to what he should sign for. Again like Mack, he will most likely end up in a timeshare with a powerback or a more established veteran. 

Possible Fits: Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers

Melvin Gordon, 28

While he has dealt with a multitude of nagging injuries over the years, Gordon continues to produce when healthy. Yet, one could wonder if all of these recurring smaller injuries will start to stack up. He is older than Mack and Jones and has more mileage, although he is more proven. I also do not believe he has feature back potential at this point, although a similar role and workload to what he had last year should be fine.  I do not see a return to Denver as he and Javonte are more similar than not, and he will probably go somewhere to pair with a pass catching running back that has some speed in his game.

Possible Fits: New York Jets, Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals

James Conner, 26

James Conner had his most impressive season to date, with 18 total touchdowns and over 1,100 scrimmage yards. While he could rank higher, a few things cause us to say buyer beware. First, he had a lot of touchdowns at the one or two yard line for anyone that watched the games. Two, his longest run was 36 yards and while his style of play does not necessitate breakaway speed, it showed on film that he did not have much speed period. Lastly, touchdowns are extremely flukey and he could be due for major regression. His role may be the most scheme dependent here and really affects where he could potentially sign.

Possible Fits: Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, Houston Texans

Darrel Williams, 26

Darrel Williams was a pleasant surprise for the Chiefs, filling in admirably for CEH while he was injured. He did so well, in fact, that he kept a role after he returned for the rest of the regular season. All together he ended up with over 1,000 total yards on the season as a part time back. Williams seems to be more of a power runner than anything, but he really excelled as a pass catcher in the Chief’s offense. He can go somewhere where he can go a little bit of everything and fill in wherever needed.

Possible Fits: New Orleans Saint, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams

JD McKissic, 28

One of the few running backs in the league that is almost exclusively a pass catcher, McKissic’s destination will be very scheme dependent. He dealt with injuries last year, but caught 80 passes the season prior. He will most likely end up with a team that lacks a real receiving threat out of the backfield.

Possible Fits: Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills