2023 Free Agent Rankings: Running Backs

As you know, there is no real off-season for fantasy football fanatics. While the NFL playoffs are still in progress, it’s never a bad idea to be prepared for the next season. FullTime Fantasy‘s 2023 Free Agent Rankings: Running Backs previews the top veteran rushers available this spring.

There are some stud backs available on the open market. Also, the rise in salary cap should help a handful of these RBs secure lucrative long-term deals.

Also, check out our 2023 free-agent QB rankings.

Three-Down Studs

The Raiders declined to extend Josh Jacobs last season. As a result, Jacobs is now set to cash in big time after leading the league with 1,653 rushing yards. Jacobs showed feature-back skills, also. He set a career-best mark of 400 receiving yards and a dozen scores. Expect Jacobs to attract plenty of attention, perhaps commanding north of $50 million over 4 years.

Similar to Jacobs, Saquon Barkley‘s fifth-year option was declined and Barkley finally stayed healthy. The fifth-year veteran rusher posted a career-high 1,312 rushing yards and topped 50 receptions for the third time. New York is fresh off a Wild-Card playoff spot. However, both Barkley and QB Daniel Jones are unrestricted free agents. Of the two, Barkley is more likely to be franchise tagged. But, if he is able to test the market, Barkley could earn between $12 and $15 million annually.

The Cowboys are in a difficult predicament. Tony Pollard was the team’s best running back all season. However, the club still owes Ezekiel Elliott over $50 million guaranteed. Elliott is a declining player while Pollard displayed top-5 upside and explosiveness. Elliott has reportedly been open to a restricted deal. That may be the only way Pollard could return to Big D. Should Pollard hit the open market, he’ll have no shortage of suitors as a potential top-tier starter.

David Montgomery had the fewest rushing attempts of his career despite playing 16 games. With Khalil Herbert in the fold, Montgomery might be allowed to test the market. The 25-year-old veteran is a dependable receiver and has a 1,000-yard rushing campaign on his resume.

Solid Contributors

A year after (in)famously being shut out of the end zone, Miles Sanders punched in 11 scores and posted a career-high 1,263 rushing yards. Although Sanders snagged 50 balls as a rookie, the Eagles haven’t involved him much as a receiver since. That could impact his ability to attract a deal with the top tier of available rushers.

Jamaal Williams was one of the best fantasy values from 2022. Williams led the NFL with 17 touchdowns and also surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career. Williams should be able to parlay that into a decent raise in 2023. However, he most likely finds himself in another timeshare with the Lions or elsewhere.

Alexander Mattison has always attracted fantasy attention as the direct handcuff to Dalvin Cook. And when given the chance to shine, Mattison has had some big outings. Now, Mattison will get the chance to see if another NFL team views him in the same light as #ZERORB drafters do. The dream fantasy scenario- re-signing with the Vikings if Cook is a cap casualty.

The surprising Christian McCaffrey trade allowed D’Onta Foreman to showcase his potential as a starter. Foreman posted five games with 100-plus rushing yards. In all, the fifth-year pro ran for 914 yards despite having just 12 carries in Carolina’s first six games. Foreman will draw interest from multiple teams but a return to the Panthers would make him an excellent late-round fantasy value.

Be cautious with Jerick McKinnon. The aging back easily had his best numbers as a cleverly-deployed red-zone outlet. But, any other destination than a return to Kansas City would be a huge step back.

Change-of-Pace Options

The Dolphins used both of their veteran packs interchangeably. Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert should have no trouble finding work. However, neither back will draw interest as a lead dog. With ties to San Francisco, keep an eye on the Texans as potential fits for both veteran ball carriers.

Darrel Williams was limited to just six games in 2022. However, he looked solid in the only contest in which he got double-digit touches. He’ll draw interest as a dependable veteran change-of-pace option. Depending on where he lands, Williams offers some late-round interest as an insurance policy.

Boston Scott has averaged over 4 yards per carry in each of his four seasons as Philly’s RB2/3. Scott also has shown a solid nose for the end zone and was solid as a receiver in his first two campaigns.

Best of the Rest

Some of these veteran backs will land jobs as depth but their days of being fantasy relevant are in the past. These running backs should only be targeted in the deepest of leagues.

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