Ranking the Available Free Agent Running Backs in 2024
Running backs simply aren't valued like they once were. Raise your hand if you've heard that a time or two. We get it. The NFL is a demolition derby, one where tailbacks endure tremendous amounts of punishment and enjoy shorter shelf lives than any other position. One thing is certain though. Every team needs a few. Just ask our Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite being the home of one of the game's top dual-threat quarterbacks, there's an old saying that rings true. A quarterback's best friend is a good ground game. We are tired of watching Philly place Jalen Hurts in harm's way.
That being said, we're keenly interested in seeing what Howie Roseman and company's plan is for constructing the depth chart at running back. At the time of this story's release, Kenneth Gainwell is the only tailback on the roster under contract for the 2024 season.
The Birds will have options during free agency if they plan to look there for help. This might be one of the best classes we have seen at the position.
Here's a ranking of the top options the Eagles will have at running back during free agency.
Every free-agent class offers a wealth of talent at every position, but look at this group of running backs. These names belong to some very talented runners.
- Saquon Barkley
- Derrick Henry
- Josh Jacobs
- Austin Ekeler
- Tony Pollard
- D'Andre Swift
- J.K. Dobbins
- Devin Singletary
- A.J. Dillon
- Gus Edwards
Saquon Barkley tops our list, and how's this for a headline? Rumor has it the Birds have some interest in landing him.
Derrick Henry has also seen his name attached to the Eagles. Some like that idea. A portion of our staff objects, but then again, we can also see why he makes sense as a possible offseason target.
Here's another theory that doesn't need help in gaining traction. It would also make sense for Philly to extend D'Andre Swift, that is if the deal is team-friendly. We'll see what happens, but we're digging our top ten.
We'd probably ignore Tony Pollard, but J.K. Dobbins, Austin Ekeler, Devin Singletary, and Gus Edwards are all solid. They wouldn't eliminate the need to find a workhorse runner though.
Josh Jacobs is the workhorse style of runner Philly needs, but would the Eagles pay the price needed to add him? Heck, we could also ask that question about Henry and Barkley.
Honorable mention: Zack Moss (Colts), D'Onta Foreman (Bears), Antonio Gibson (Washington Commanders)
Here are a few honorable mentions if you're interested. Zack Moss proved to have the goods when the Indianapolis Colts had to do work without Jonathan Taylor.
D'Onta Foreman has already seen six locker rooms but is a young 27 years old. The Eagles know what Antonio Gibson can do. In seven career appearances versus Philadelphia over the past four seasons, he has notched 252 yards rushing and three TDs on 77 carries. He has also collected 104 yards in 19 receptions.
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