2025 NFL Running Back Free Agency Preview: Fantasy Football Impact and Player Outlooks

After suffering a fall from grace in perceived value in the early 2020s, running backs received a resurgence in 2024 due to the play of Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. Both players demonstrated that elite running back play can still carry your team very far. In Barkley's case, that included a Super Bowl title.

Barkley also recently became the NFL's first $20 million running back. It is unprecedented and sets a new benchmark for future running back contracts. Despite the positivity, elite running back play was still demonstrated to only be important on teams ready to win now. You did not see the Colts or Falcons taken to the promised land by star backs Jonathan Taylor and Bijan Robinson respectively.

The free agent class of 2025 is much weaker than the one we enjoyed in 2024. 2024 featured Barkley, Henry, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and more. Additionally, the 2024 running back draft class was poor relative to this year's class. As such, teams could look to the draft more favorably than in 2024 and skip free agents to save money. Even so, there are quality players in this year's free-agent class who warrant a preview.

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1. Najee Harris, RB, NFL Free Agent

2024 Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

The boring yet reliable Harris is a former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick. Over four seasons with Pittsburgh, Harris never rushed for less than 1,034 yards and never missed a game. The guy embodies what it means to be a Steeler.

Harris is not flashy. He is a big, bruising back with quality hands and pass-protection skills. His career high in yards per carry is 4.1. He does a lot of dirty work and can handle huge workloads. While he is not a breakaway specialist, you can do a lot worse than Harris in your backfield.

Najee harris when he isnt hit behind the line of scrimmage
pic.twitter.com/x77lALXhs7

— OgnBurgh (@scottiloss) March 4, 2025

The Steelers have other pressing needs and a deep draft class in which they could look to replace Harris. While they would likely love to have him back, his price could be too high to merit shelling out a contract his way. The Steelers also declined Harris' fifth-year option ahead of his fourth season further suggesting that a split was inevitable.

Harris' best fits include the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants. The Raiders are especially in need of running back help and Harris could feasibly have the backfield to himself. He will likely earn upwards of $10 million per year this season and both teams will have that kind of money to spend.

*Update: Harris has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal.

2. Aaron Jones, RB, NFL Free Agent

2024 Team: Minnesota Vikings

Aaron Jones found his way to the Vikings in 2024 after seven excellent seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He displayed that he still has juice with 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry in 2024.

Jones is entering his age-31 season hoping to get paid one more time. He will likely be worth somewhere between $6 and $8 million per year. He will likely look for a multi-year deal but only time will tell if he is able to land one.

It makes sense for Jones and the Vikings to work out a deal this offseason. The Vikings could sign Jones and draft a rookie so that Jones would not have to carry a full workload. Jones' problem has always been staying healthy but he was able to play all 17 games in 2024. With Jones running alongside a young gun, he could preserve himself for another couple quality seasons.

There is “legit steam” from the Denver Broncos in regards to Aaron Jones, per @DWolfsonKSTP pic.twitter.com/6oWATQjUuw

— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) March 5, 2025

With few obvious jobs available and with Jones' age, he could find that the Vikings are the only suitor willing to give him what he wants. Familiarity is important in the NFL and the grass is not always greener.

*Update: Aaron Jones has re-signed with the Vikings on a two-year deal.

3. J.K. Dobbins, RB, NFL Free Agent

2024 Team: Los Angeles Chargers

J.K. Dobbins finally displayed the talent we all knew he had on a one-year prove-it deal with the Chargers in 2024. Dobbins rushed for 905 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. Despite several lower extremity injuries throughout his career, Dobbins was able to repeatedly break off huge runs this past season.

Of course, Dobbins has had trouble staying on the field throughout his NFL career and that was no different in 2024. He missed four games due to an MCL sprain last season. He is an intriguing free agent at just 26 years old but the injuries are mounting.

A return to the Chargers seems like a good bet for Dobbins. He was the clear lead back but could share the backfield with another offseason addition so that he can remain healthy. Keep in mind that Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman loves Dobbins from their days in Baltimore together as well.

4. Jaylen Warren, RB, NFL Free Agent

2024 Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Jaylen Warren is the second of Pittsburgh's two running backs to become a free agent this season. The former undrafted free agent has excelled as Pittsburgh's change-of-pace back for the last three seasons with 2,568 all-purpose yards.

Warren is likely to be tendered by the Steelers and become a restricted free agent. This means that the Steelers will have the opportunity to match any offers Warren receives. Unless a team wants to open the pocketbook for a back unlikely to play every down, it feels like a return to Pittsburgh is inevitable.

5. Rico Dowdle, RB, NFL Free Agent

2024 Team: Dallas Cowboys

Rico Dowdle was a surprise breakout in 2024. After scarcely playing through his first four seasons in the league, Dowdle rushed for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. The Cowboys' running game left a lot to be desired this past season but Dowdle made the most of his opportunities.

Dowdle has played his way into a starting-caliber contract in the NFL but the list of suitors is likely to be short. The Cowboys are unlikely to be one of them as they will likely turn to the draft for a long-term solution.

The Patriots, Browns, and Raiders could all be in the market for a quality starting running back that won't break the bank. Dowdle will be 27 next season with limited tread on his tires and could certainly contribute to one of those backfields over the next couple of seasons.

*Update: Rico Dowdle has signed with the Carolina Panthers on a one-year deal.

6. Nick Chubb, RB, NFL Free Agent

2024 Team: Cleveland Browns

Nick Chubb is the heart and soul of the Browns but a split could be inevitable. Chubb is entering his age-30 season after suffering a devastating knee injury in 2023. He was able to return to the field in 2024, but he was clearly not the same player. Chubb only racked up 332 yards on 3.3 yards per carry in eight games in 2024.

If we’ve seen the last of Nick Chubb in Cleveland….

Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cdFedffaYk

— Grant Puskar (@grant_puskar_) March 4, 2025

Chubb had enjoyed an excellent career prior to the injury. Despite his 2024 season, he holds a career average of 5.1 yards per carry. The guy is one of the best pure running backs in the NFL.

No matter what, Chubb is likely looking at a committee job in 2025. He would be a great locker room presence for whoever signs him. If he is healthy this year, Chubb could end up being a substantial contributor.

Chubb could be a nice fit in New England as a veteran presence on a young team. However, he has been allowed to "test" free agency which suggests that the Browns would like to gain an idea of his price before potentially bringing him back. As such, Chubb's free agency will be interesting to watch.

7. Javonte Williams, RB, NFL Free Agent

2024 Team: Denver Broncos

Javonte Williams was once touted as one of the next great running backs in the NFL. A devastating knee injury of his own in 2022 derailed his career and has sent him into an uncertain free agency.

Williams was a bruising running back with serious balance and speed prior to the injury. He looked more like himself in 2024, but he has not been able to eclipse 3.7 yards per carry since the injury.

Williams' injury history and ineffectiveness for two seasons following the injury suggest that there are no obvious destinations for him despite him entering his age-25 season. He is unlikely to receive an expensive contract, perhaps even cheaper than Chubb's.

*Update: Williams has signed with the Dallas Cowboys on a one year deal.

8. Jordan Mason, RB, NFL Free Agent

2024 Team: San Francisco 49ers

The second third-year undrafted free agent on this list, Jordan Mason looks like a player ready to walk. The 49ers are on the cusp of paying quarterback Brock Purdy and need to be judicious with their spending from now on. With so much money tied up in Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers would be in a better position finding a backup running back in a loaded draft class.

Mason took over the starting role in San Francisco in 2024 with McCaffrey nursing Achilles and knee injuries. Mason finished the season with 789 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He excelled at times and holds a career average of 5.3 yards per carry.

the more i watch the more i NEED Jordan Mason on my team pic.twitter.com/k9uZz3dIQ0

— Tyler🐴 (@HighAsTy) February 28, 2025

Mason is in a similar position as Rico Dowdle. There is limited tape on him given his limited starting reps, but the tape is solid. He could enter a committee backfield potentially even in the lead role. Teams such as the Vikings and Raiders could give him a look.

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