2025 NFL Free Agents: Running Backs
In fantasy football, there is no offseason. Before the NFL finalizes its year, fantasy football fans are preparing for the next draft season. That is especially true in dynasty football. Part of good preparation is knowing about the upcoming crop of NFL free agents.
The draft can dramatically shake rosters. However, free agency begins in March and is the first major “new” season event. Therefore, it is important to note which veterans are signing and how that could impact the upcoming NFL draft.
Let’s start with the most important position, which kicks off FullTime Fantasy‘s free agent analysis. This is our 2025 NFL Free Agents: Running Backs.
Also, check out our Free Agents: Quarterbacks.
| Player | Pos. | 2024 Team | 2025 Team | Type | Age | 2024 Salary |
| Aaron Jones | RB | Vikings | UFA | 31 | $7,000,000 | |
| Najee Harris | RB | Steelers | UFA | 27 | $3,261,861 | |
| A.J. Dillon | RB | Packers | UFA | 27 | $2,742,500 | |
| Nick Chubb | RB | Browns | UFA | 30 | $2,275,000 | |
| Javonte Williams | RB | Broncos | UFA | 25 | $2,216,439 | |
| Travis Homer | RB | Bears | UFA | 27 | $2,000,000 | |
| Alexander Mattison | RB | Raiders | UFA | 27 | $2,000,000 | |
| Ameer Abdullah | RB | Raiders | UFA | 32 | $1,850,000 | |
| Jeff Wilson | RB | Dolphins | UFA | 30 | $1,750,000 | |
| J.K. Dobbins | RB | Chargers | UFA | 27 | $1,610,000 | |
| Samaje Perine | RB | Chiefs | UFA | 30 | $1,500,000 | |
| Dare Ogunbowale | RB | Texans | UFA | 31 | $1,500,000 | |
| Chase Edmonds | RB | Buccaneers | UFA | 29 | $1,500,000 | |
| Nyheim Hines | RB | Browns | UFA | 29 | $1,495,000 | |
| JaMycal Hasty | RB | Patriots | UFA | 29 | $1,450,000 | |
| Ty Johnson | RB | Bills | UFA | 28 | $1,292,500 | |
| D’Ernest Johnson | RB | Jaguars | UFA | 29 | $1,275,000 | |
| Rico Dowdle | RB | Cowboys | UFA | 27 | $1,255,000 | |
| Kareem Hunt | RB | Chiefs | UFA | 30 | $1,210,000 | |
| Cam Akers | RB | Vikings | UFA | 26 | $1,175,000 | |
| Mike Boone | RB | Panthers | UFA | 30 | $1,125,000 | |
| Jeremy McNichols | RB | Commanders | UFA | 30 | $1,125,000 | |
| Trayveon Williams | RB | Bengals | UFA | 28 | $1,125,000 | |
| Joshua Kelley | RB | Titans | UFA | 28 | $1,125,000 | |
| Craig Reynolds | RB | Lions | RFA | 29 | $1,125,000 | |
| D’Onta Foreman | RB | Browns | UFA | 29 | $1,125,000 | |
| Kene Nwangwu | RB | Jets | UFA | 27 | $1,055,000 | |
| Trey Sermon | RB | Colts | UFA | 26 | $1,055,000 | |
| Darrynton Evans | RB | Bears | UFA | 27 | $1,055,000 | |
| John Kelly | RB | Browns | RFA | 29 | $1,055,000 | |
| Patrick Taylor | RB | 49ers | UFA | 27 | $1,055,000 | |
| Julius Chestnut | RB | Titans | RFA | 25 | $985,000 | |
| Raheem Blackshear | RB | Panthers | RFA | 27 | $985,000 | |
| Ronnie Rivers | RB | Rams | RFA | 26 | $985,000 | |
| Kenneth Gainwell | RB | Eagles | UFA | 26 | $953,881 | |
| Avery Williams | RB | Falcons | UFA | 27 | $930,038 | |
| Elijah Mitchell | RB | 49ers | UFA | 27 | $915,893 | |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | RB | Commanders | ERFA | 26 | $915,000 | |
| Emanuel Wilson | RB | Packers | ERFA | 26 | $915,000 | |
| Chris Evans | RB | Bengals | UFA | 28 | $913,222 | |
| Khalil Herbert | RB | Bengals | UFA | 27 | $902,676 | |
| Jaylen Warren | RB | Steelers | RFA | 27 | $857,333 | |
| Jordan Mason | RB | 49ers | RFA | 26 | $853,333 | |
| Owen Wright | RB | Ravens | ERFA | 26 | $795,000 | |
| Ellis Merriweather | RB | Packers | ERFA | 26 | $256,667 | |
| Patrick Richard | FB | Ravens | UFA | 31 | $3,750,000 | |
| Reggie Gilliam | FB | Bills | UFA | 28 | $2,300,000 | |
| Michael Burton | FB | Broncos | UFA | 33 | $1,210,000 | |
| Adam Prentice | FB | Saints | UFA | 28 | $1,130,000 | |
| Kristian Welch | FB | Ravens | UFA | 27 | $1,125,000 | |
| Robert Burns | FB | Falcons | UFA | 27 | $795,000 |
Overall, the 2025 free-agent RB class lacks star power and depth. Additionally, an excellent crop of incoming rookie rushers will negatively impact the market for these veteran backs.
Aaron Jones stayed healthy and finished as the RB19 in fantasy points per game. However, his efficiency has declined for three straight seasons and he’s nearing the end. Expect him to command $5-6 million on a one-year deal.
Najee Harris has been a consistent producer but lacks the three-down upside to attract a top-ten RB deal. He’ll have suitors but could easily wind up back in a timeshare with a rookie.
Speaking of timeshare situations, Javonte Williams will look to move to a team that will allow him to be a lead back. Sean Payton is firmly committed to a rotation, so expect Williams to test the market. If he re-signs in Denver, Williams’s fantasy value takes a hit.
J.K. Dobbins made the most of his one-year ‘prove it’ deal in Los Angeles. However, with a checked injury history, Dobbins will be viewed as a mid-level option as the potential lead in a rotational backfield. If he lands in an offense that is poised to cash in a bunch of short-yardage opportunities, Dobbins has middle-round fantasy value appeal.
Position Grade: 2/10
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