The 2024 NFL season highlighted the continued value of running backs within the league, as prominent players such as Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs were among the first to sign in free agency, contributing significantly to their teams' postseason advancement. The success of running teams during both the regular season and playoffs suggests that top ball-carriers will remain in high demand during the upcoming free agency period. However, it may be unlikely for running backs to secure contracts exceeding $12 million annually, as was seen with Barkley and Jacobs last offseason, due to a less impressive free-agent class this year. Still, several starting-caliber running backs will enter the market, and many are expected to find new opportunities post the commencement of free agency on March 12. This article examines the top running backs set to become free agents in 2025, highlighting potential landing spots and contract projections based on various factors, including skill set, past performance, age, potential upside, and team requirements.

Ideal Landing Spot: Cleveland Browns. Four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb made a determined return this season after suffering a severe knee injury last year, yet he faced challenges in a struggling Cleveland Browns offense and ultimately concluded his season prematurely due to a broken foot. A return to Cleveland makes logical sense for the 29-year-old player, particularly since the Browns value his contributions. General Manager Andrew Berry acknowledged, 'We love Nick. He's going to be a Ring of Honor player for us,' during his end-of-season press conference. With an additional year removed from his knee injury, Chubb has the potential to reclaim his status as a game-changing back, and the Browns arguably provide the most favorable setting to restore his Pro Bowl form. Following the dismissal of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, Cleveland appears to be shifting back to Kevin Stefanski's zone-running, play-action-based offense, which previously complemented Chubb's strengths. Other franchises may express interest as well; the Las Vegas Raiders are in need of a reliable starter after finishing last in both rushing statistics and yards per carry in 2024. The Tennessee Titans might also look for additional backfield talent to support a young quarterback, whom they are anticipated to draft with the No. 1 overall pick.

Teams to Watch: Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans. Ideal Landing Spot: Los Angeles Chargers. Throughout his initial four seasons in the NFL, J.K. Dobbins faced significant injury setbacks. The 2020 second-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens participated in merely 24 games during his tenure in Baltimore due to injuries including a torn ACL and a torn Achilles. Despite another knee injury restricting Dobbins to 13 games in 2024, he managed to revitalize his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. In Los Angeles, Dobbins reunited with former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, demonstrating solid performance with an average of 4.6 yards per carry and accumulating 1,058 scrimmage yards. Given his history of injuries, it is likely Dobbins might consider a one- or two-year, team-friendly contract at his next destination. He has a projected market value of $7.3 million annually; however, such a contract may involve limited guarantees and a concentration on performance-based incentives. Continuing with Roman in Los Angeles would likely offer Dobbins the best opportunity to optimize his contract and work within a familiar scheme. If he transitions away from the Chargers, the Denver Broncos present a suitable alternative, given their urgent necessity to establish a reliable ground game alongside quarterback Bo Nix. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers may express interest in Dobbins, as their run-heavy offensive strategy could create opportunities for enhancement following potential decisions to part with Najee Harris.

Teams to Watch: Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers. Ideal Landing Spot: Denver Broncos. Rico Dowdle emerged as a bright spot for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, marking a breakthrough season in which he established himself as the primary ball-carrier, leading to Ezekiel Elliott taking on a depth role and finishing the campaign with 1,328 scrimmage yards. At 27 years old, Dowdle's relatively low workload—38 career touches—positions him as a potentially strong long-term starter deserving of appropriate compensation. A two- or three-year contract akin to recent extensions like that of James Conner with the Arizona Cardinals, projected at $9.5 million annually, seems warranted in his case. The Cowboys may not be inclined to extend such an offer, given their own pressing contract scenarios, particularly with Micah Parsons needing an extension and possible restructures of deals for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb on the horizon. Conversely, the Broncos should be amenable to investing in a starting-caliber back in 2025. After finding their franchise quarterback in Nix, they ranked only 21st in team yards per carry. With $36.3 million in projected cap space, Dowdle could represent an ideal target for the Raiders, who struggled to establish a functional ground attack in the previous season. The Chargers might also show interest, irrespective of Dobbins' status, given the need for depth in their backfield.

Teams to Watch: Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers. Ideal Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders. Najee Harris has proven to be a capable starting running back for the Steelers, but he has leaned more toward being a compiler than a standout star. Harris has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons; however, his average of just 3.9 yards per carry throughout his career leads to questions about his effectiveness. A fresh start and unrestricted free agency may present a beneficial opportunity for Harris. As a versatile dual-threat back set to turn 27 in March, he is likely to attract starter-level contract offers from teams needing running backs. Harris boasts a projected market value of approximately $9.2 million annually, which could be on the conservative side considering the constraints of the running back market. A reasonable target for Harris’ representation might be a three-year, $30 million deal. With their abundant cap space, the Raiders appear well-positioned to be a primary destination for Harris, as they could greatly benefit from a quality running and receiving option, reminiscent of Jacobs' contributions, following a 2024 campaign using a committee approach in the backfield. A potential return to Pittsburgh could also make sense, owing to the familiarity with the system; however, Harris has indicated little inclination toward this option, stating he hasn't concentrated on the subject. The Minnesota Vikings could emerge as a sensible target for Harris if they opt not to retain Aaron Jones, especially as they prepare to shift their offensive strategy to revolve around J.J. McCarthy in the 2025 season, which may benefit from the presence of a high-volume back.

Teams to Watch: Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers. Ideal Landing Spot: Kansas City Chiefs. Kareem Hunt has demonstrated that he possesses ample skills and attributes remaining in his arsenal. Although the 29-year-old running back may not have the explosive burst he displayed earlier in his career, he offered a tangible physical rushing presence to the Kansas City Chiefs' offense this season. Hunt, who was signed mid-season after Isiah Pacheco suffered a leg fracture, averaged 3.6 yards per carry but amassed 904 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns across 13 regular-season games. While Hunt might no longer fit the mold of a premier starter, he could serve as an impactful complementary asset within any committee approach. Following his one-year, $1.2 million contract in 2024, Hunt is likely to receive offers around $3 million for the 2025 season. A continuation with the Chiefs aligns well, as their offensive framework matches Hunt's talents, and the organizational stability within Kansas City serves as an appealing factor. The New Orleans Saints may seek to entice Hunt away from Kansas City, as they search for a physical running complement to Alvin Kamara with limited financial resources, given their projected $59.2 million over the salary cap. Additionally, the Titans could have interest, particularly with former Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi now in a pivotal role in Tennessee.

Teams to Watch: New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans. Ideal Landing Spot: Minnesota Vikings. Aaron Jones has been the lone running back included in Bleacher Report's post-regular season list of top free agents. Although he turned 30 in December, Jones comes with a robust history of high-level performance, having excelled for the Vikings in 2024. After the Vikings acquired Jones after his replacement by Jacobs in Green Bay, he proceeded to record 1,138 rushing yards, 408 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns during the season. While his age may raise some concerns, a two- or three-year contract seems feasible for Jones, likely structured as a front-loaded agreement. He has a projected market value of $5.6 million annually but should not see a significant reduction in salary post a $7 million deal in 2024. Returning to Minnesota on a three-year, $21 million deal appears practical, given that he has proven to be a strong fit in Kevin O'Connell's system and could play a crucial role in transitioning to McCarthy at quarterback. Should the Steelers opt not to re-sign Harris, they may find Jones an attractive alternative. The Chicago Bears could also be a dark horse destination, with their new head coach Ben Johnson familiar with Jones' capabilities from his time as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Johnson may explore pairing D'Andre Swift with a back of Jones' profile to establish a formidable duo similar to the one he cultivated with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in Detroit, which would constitute an upgrade for the Bears' backfield.

Teams to Watch: Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers. Ideal Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers. Javonte Williams represents a significant variable within the 2025 running back market. At 24 years old, Williams showcased tremendous promise as a rookie in 2021, accumulating 1,219 scrimmage yards despite starting only one game. However, a torn ACL sustained in 2022 has hindered his effectiveness over the subsequent seasons, with averages of 3.6 and 3.7 yards per carry in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The terms of his next contract will largely depend on whether teams believe he can regain his 2021 form. Despite having a projected market value of $6.9 million annually, this figure may be inflated in light of his recent performance. A one- or two-year deal in the range of $3-4 million per year appears to be a more realistic expectation for Williams. The decline in productivity could potentially be attributed to the 2022 injury or a misalignment with Sean Payton's offensive style. Regardless, a new environment would likely benefit Williams. Pittsburgh could serve as an ideal location for him, where he would have the chance to revive his career in Smith's run-oriented system while offering the Steelers a competent complement to Jaylen Warren, potentially at a cost-effective rate compared to re-signing Harris. The Chiefs might also view Williams as an option if they do not retain Hunt, and the Vikings could express interest even if they choose to extend Jones, especially considering that Minnesota running backs coach Curtis Modkins fulfilled the same role in Denver during Williams' rookie campaign.