5 Free Agent Running Backs in New Locations
The quarterback free agent market has some heavy names on it like former MVP Lamar Jackson and former Super Bowl quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, but the 2023 free agent running back class is one of the best in recent history. There are many talented names when talking about the 2023 free agent running backs, but I’m going to talk about the ones that I think find a new home in 2023.
Former Team – Philadelphia Eagles
It’s only right to start with the running back that was in the Super Bowl, but on the losing side of this instant classic. Sanders is coming off his career best with 259 touches 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns out the backfield, however, a lackluster Super Bowl performance (7 touches 16 yards) could have left a bitter taste for the Philadelphia Eagles. I think Sanders wants to get paid, and after seeing some upside with back-up running mate Kenneth Gainwell plus the loaded 2023 rookie running back class, I can see Sanders leaving Philadelphia to get paid. Here are a couple teams I can see Miles Sanders signing with.
Chicago Bears – David Montgomery is another running back I believe leaves his 2022 team which happens to be the Chicago Bears, and I do think they believe in Khalil Herbert. But Sanders coming off a career year could invoke better confidence for the Bears as they try to fill their roster around Quarterback Justin Fields. If Chicago in fact can grab Sanders in free agency, that to me means they will address the wide receiver, defensive back, & offensive line positions in the draft. Sanders showed this past year that he can take over 200 touches and be an RB1 for a team. Adding a veteran back takes some load off Fields, plus Sanders can be a versatile weapon and be used in multiple different packages. Sanders averaged 185 touches in his four seasons in Philadelphia with a little over five yards per carry compared to Montgomery who in four seasons with Chicago averaged 229 touches with just under four yards per carry. If Sanders got that same usage (229 touches) but kept his yards per carry that would equate to about 1,160 yards on the season. Sanders is a great running back that if given over 200 touches will be great for fantasy.
Arizona Cardinals – At this point I am expecting the Cardinals to cut James Conner, an older running back that has shown flashes, but most of his “greatness” for the team has only come at the goal line. Sanders can fit the mold by being fresh new legs to line up alongside Quarterback Kyler Murray in the backfield. The offense that Sanders ran in Philadelphia is similar to what they are wanting to run in Arizona, so bringing in an experience running back like Sanders could allow them to still be a threat on the offensive side of the ball without all eyes being on Kyler Murray. Sanders would add an all-purpose running back to their arsenal, something they have missed over the past couple seasons.
Former Team – Cleveland Browns
Hunt’s rookie year was phenomenal and many believed he’d be a for sure RB1 for multiple years, but then off -the-field issues took him out for a while, only to come back halfway through the 2019 season and once again showed promise. In 2020, he was a top 10 running back showing his dual-threat ability out the backfield, but since then he’s been meh at best. Nick Chubb is the man in Cleveland meaning it would not surprise me if they let Kareem walk, and if that be the case here are some teams that I think could use his assistance assuming it’s the top 10 running back Kareem Hunt that they would be getting.
Los Angeles Rams – To me the perfect fit for Hunt would be to join the Rams, and I’ve been saying since last year the Rams should try to acquire Hunt. Even with a not so impressive season in 2022 the Rams are still very much in win now mode, so adding a veteran like Hunt would only add to the fire power. Cam Akers did show some production at the end of the season running for 75 times 410 yards and 3 touchdowns (all 3 in one game), but typically the 2nd year back from an Achilles injury is when you see the dip in production. Hunt can manage the full workload for the Rams after carrying for less than 130 times last season. If Matthew Stafford gets a running back like Hunt to line up behind him then expect both to go to the moon.
Philadelphia Eagles – Assuming the Eagles do let Miles Sanders walk, Hunt would be a fantastic fit to get back to where they need to, which is another Super Bowl appearance. Hunt is a do-it-all back that can take pressure off any quarterback by lining up on the outside or alongside the quarterback to run up the middle. His rookie year, which right now looks like his outlier year, he ran 272 times for 1,327 yards and 8 touchdowns, and he also added 53 catches for 455 yards and 3 touchdowns. But since then, he has not had a full season as the RB1 for a team. Give him the reigns, let Sanders get paid elsewhere, and bring in a running back on the low that brings the same, if not bigger, impact out the gate for the team when given over 200 touches.
David Montgomery
Former Team – Chicago Bears
Man, to be honest, Montgomery is a hard one to talk about because I feel he’s the type of player to give it his all every play. Unfortunately, having only one season with over 1,000 yards on the ground does not make me think the Bears would re-sign him. The Bears need somebody that can take the load off Fields and cause a distraction, meaning average more than four yards per carry. So where does Montgomery end up? Here are a few places I think make a great fit for him.
Baltimore Ravens – Yes, I know the Ravens have J.K. Dobbins who after three seasons with the team has only played 23 out of a possible 50 games. Montgomery would add the running back they need to run between the tackles with some excitement when running outside. If Lamar Jackson stays, then that makes for a dynamic duo as Lamar just needs a running back he knows will stay healthy all season. Montgomery will not be the full RB1 you want, but with a quarterback like Jackson then Montgomery can become a solid RB2.
Tennessee Titans – Derrick Henry is on the final year of his contract, and the “King” has three of the past four seasons with over 300 touches. (The odd year out he only played in 8 games & through 8 he had 219 touches) not saying they cut the King because he is a monster, but as a running back that many touches must be brutal. So, what if, Henry decides to hang it up or go somewhere that will not waste his talent while he is still booming? If they were to add a talent like Montgomery while they still have Henry that becomes a nice one two punch. To put into perspective since Montgomery has been in the league, he has had 915 touches out the backfield, in that same 4-year span Henry has had 1,249, meaning Montgomery to a degree would add some fresh legs to their backfield.
Former Team – Buffalo Bills
On the ground for the past four years in Buffalo, Singletary has run for 673 times for 3,154 yards and 16 touchdowns compared to Quarterback Josh Allen who has ran 459 times for 2,470 yards and 30 touchdowns. I say this because Singletary has not helped to elevate the Buffalo run game since he has been on the team. Is that his fault? Maybe not. It could be the offensive scheme Buffalo has chosen to run during that time, but why resign him when you can address a better running back in the free agency, the draft, or just put all cards on now 2nd year running back James Cook. Here are some options that I think benefit for Singletary.
New York Giants – I think the Giants resign Barkley, but they desperately need an RB2 behind Barkley. Singletary has experience in a Brian Daboll (Buffalo’s Head Coach) offense, so he won’t need to be caught up on anything new, or at least not much. Adding another veteran will bode well for Daniel Jones (who I also expect they re-sign) simply because I think they address the wide receiver issue in this draft. If they add a pair of rookie wide receivers with two veteran running backs for Daniel Jones I think they elevate their team into a better team than what they finished last year. Plus having a running back that can be trusted on any down will be great to give Barkley a breather here and there. In 2020 when Barkley went out Wayne Gallman stepped in from weeks 7 – 14 to average 15 fantasy points per game. In 2021 Devonte Booker had to step in for an injured Barkley and averaged 15.8 fantasy points per game. In 2022 Barkley was healthy all season and averaged 17.7 fantasy points per game. It benefits to be the RB2 for the Giants because if given the opportunity RB1 fantasy role is likely to happen.
Denver Broncos – There is no telling how Javonte Williams will return, and Chase Edmonds is good, but Singletary is better. Right now, this team could use a running back that can handle three downs. After signing Russell Wilson, I feel the team wants to win now rather than try to rebuild, so they bring in a solid veteran with enough left in his engine to allow the Broncos to have a decent run game while Wilson feeds his wide receivers. Plus, Singletary has playoff experience so that always plays well bringing those type of guys in to talk about what it takes to get there!
Damien Harris
Former Team – New England Patriots
With the emergence of Rhamondre Stevenson, I do not see why New England would re-sign Harris when his best year was in 2021 with 202/929/15. His issue has been staying on the field as he has fought with injuries his whole time in New England, so it’s time to find a new home. Here are some options that I can see fit for Harris.
Los Angeles Rams – Harris might be seeking a long-term contract, but I don’t think he finds that. So, he settles for a possible one year deal out in Los Angeles. A prove it type of deal. Right now, any running back that finds themselves in Los Angeles for the Rams finds opportunity to have an RB1 type of role, and a solid chance at reaching the Super Bowl. Harris brings the ability to run between the tackles with emphasis on getting in the end zone when at the goal line.
Cincinnati Bengals – They might be losing Joe Mixon & running mate Samaje Perine this off-season which means they need a veteran that knows his job. This running back rookie class is deep but having a solid veteran that can help coach these rookies at the next level always helps. Harris could be acquired for cheap and give the Bengals an experience player that helps them not lose a beat. I currently have the Bengals drafting Oklahoma running back Eric Gray in the 4th round of the NFL draft, so having Harris lead the way to begin the season would allow Gray to be brought along slowly. Gray would be fresh for second half of the season and could help the Bengals make the playoff push. Last season, in the first four games of the season, Harris was on pace to reach 1,045 yards on 13.25 touches per game. If Mixon leaves the team and Harris is signed and stays healthy for a full season, he could put up numbers of over 1,000 yards on the season with 10 or more touchdowns.
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