Before free agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional Top 5 free agents who will be available at each position on March 13. Today, the runners.
A somewhat devalued position due to the amount of talent coming each year from the college ranks, runners rarely obtain a second contract. Who will be an exception this season?
1- Derrick Henry – 30 years old
Eight NFL seasons including five where Derrick Henry exceeds 1000 yards. In 2020, he even doubled this mark and was voted offensive player of the year. In 2023, he continues to be productive with 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground!
After the final game of the 2023 regular season, he took a microphone and bid farewell to the Nashville crowd. His undeniable talent means that he will be courted. His position coupled with his age means that it will probably be a short-term contract (one or two years).
The ideal destination: Chicago Bears
With two draft picks in the top 10 and plenty of money available, Chicago has room to improve its team. Adding such a reliable player would take the burden of the offense off quarterback Justin Fields.
2- Josh Jacobs – 26 years old
After Derrick Henry, another runner trained at the University of Alabama. Five NFL seasons for Josh Jacobs and more than 5,500 yards! With the Raiders, he had five coaches and yet each time he was the cornerstone of the attack.
An explosive player and also skilled in the aerial game, he can help an NFL offense in a variety of ways.
The ideal destination: Houston Texans
If young Dameon Pierce returns from injury in 2024, the surprising Texans could add a more established player alongside him. Devin Singletary has proven valuable in 2023 but Josh Jacobs is clearly a tone (or two) above.
3- By Andre Swift – 25 years old
After three average seasons in Detroit, D'Andre Swift relaunched in Philadelphia: 1,049 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The ideal destination: New England Patriots
The Patriots are rebuilding after Bill Belichick. Rhammondre Stevenson is an imposing runner but the squad lacks a more lively player in this position. With plenty of money available, if this position isn't a priority, adding D'Andre Swift would do some good for Boston.
4- Tony Pollard – 26 years old
Within two yards, Tony Pollard repeated in 2023 his performances from 2022 (1005 yards against 1007). But on closer inspection, it took him 59 additional races to obtain this result, thus drastically reducing his average yards per carry: from 5.2 yards to 4! He also scores fewer touchdowns on the ground (6 instead of 9) and none in the air (after 3 aerial TDs in 2022).
Retained via the franchise tag in 2023, Dallas is struggling financially this 2024 offseason and should not retain him.
The ideal destination: Las Vegas Raiders
If the Raiders let Josh Jacobs go then they would have to find a replacement for him. The strong Zamir White can pound defenses and adding a more experienced and versatile companion would be welcome. Going from Josh Jacobs to Tony Pollard would be a sporting drop but a win from a financial point of view.
5- Saquon Barkley – 27 years old
A true phenomenon upon leaving university, Saquon Barkley did not become the expected player in the NFL due to injuries. Author of 16 touchdowns over his last two seasons with the Giants, a franchise will take the gamble: but which one?
The ideal destination: Los Angeles Rams
Young Kyren Williams asserted himself during his second NFL season: 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns! But to accompany him, Royce Freeman and Ronnie Rivers are at the end of their contract, just like Darrell Henderson who was only able to play 4 games in 2023!
Adding a runner of the caliber of Saquon Barkley would be smart for a surprising franchise in 2023 but with a squad lacking experienced players. And then, Los Angeles needs “names” to attract people in high demand by this megalopolis and thus fill its stadium.
Other interesting players: Zack Moss, Austin Ekeler, Devin Singletary, Gus Edwards, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, AJ Dillon, Antonio Gipson, Kareem Hunt etc.
