The new NFL league year begins Wednesday, March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, which also signals the start of free agency.
Plenty of big-money deals are likely to be given out between Monday, when the legal tampering window opens, and then, some of which will likely go to running backs. Below are the 10 best free-agent tailbacks set to hit the open market.
1- Travis Etienne
Depending on who you ask, some will tell you Kenneth Walker is the best free-agent RB, but it’s hard to ignore Etienne’s three 1,000-yard seasons in his first four years. Etienne is a dynamic back who is also a home-run threat catching the ball out of the backfield too. He is—and should be—the most sought-after RB on the market.
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2- Kenneth Walker
Walker is sure to get a big deal from someone this offseason, and he has his Super Bowl MVP award to thank for that. He does have two 1,000-yard seasons and 29 touchdowns under his belt, and Walker could thrive in an offense more tailored to giving him the primary touches as opposed to a split. The latest reports indicate the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs are the teams to watch for Walker.
3- Tyler Allgeier
Some may have forgotten Allgeier was a 1,000-yard rookie back in 2022 before Bijan Robinson came into the picture. Since then, he’s averaged just 614 yards rushing per season, but at 25, Allgeier could find his 1,000-yard form again in the right situation.
4- Kenneth Gainwell
Gainwell will likely never be a workhorse back, but he’s a jack of all trades who can help in the running and receiving game. The 26-year-old totaled 1,023 yards last season (537 rushing, 486 receiving) with eight touchdowns. In the right situation with a few more touches, Gainwell could be a 1,500-yard duel-threat back.
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5- J.K. Dobbins
Before injuries derailed his season, Dobbins was having one heck of a year in Denver. He logged 772 yards rushing and four touchdowns through 10 games, and had he not gotten hurt, he presumably would’ve had his first 1,000-yard rushing season. If given a similar opportunity next year, Dobbins could be a steal.
6- Rico Dowdle
Dowdle proved this year that his 1,079-yard season with the Dallas Cowboys two years ago wasn’t a fluke. The 27-year-old put up 1,076 yards rushing and six touchdowns for the Panthers last season, and he has back-to-back years with 39 catches. Dowdle could be the perfect low-cost pickup for a team needing a duel-threat back.
7- Najee Harris
After signing a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers last year, Harris was limited to just three games thanks to a torn Achilles suffered in Week 3 against the Broncos. But before that, Harris started his career with four straight 1,000-yard seasons, scoring 28 touchdowns while adding 180 catches, 1,149 yards and six touchdowns through the air.
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8- Rachaad White
Before Bucky Irving burst onto the scene, White looked to be the Buccaneers running back of the future. He racked up 990 yards and six touchdowns in his second season, but his production dropped to 613 yards and three touchdowns during Iriving’s 1,122-yard, eight-touchdown rookie season. White could reach his full potential if he lands in the right spot.
9- Joe Mixon
A two-time Pro Bowler with five 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, Mixon missed all of 2025 with a foot injury. If he comes back healthy, he could be a sneaky good addition for a team needing a 225-plus carry running back.
10- Isiah Pacheco
Pacheco’s Chiefs career started off great, rushing for 830 and 935 yards, respectively in 2022 and 2023. But injuries cut his last two seasons short, and the Chiefs moved on from the 27-year-old. However, Pacheco has speed, and he runs with an aggression that most teams would love to have. He could be the perfect addition for a team needing a change-of-pace back to help lighten the load for its starter.
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