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Which NFL running backs should retire ahead of the upcoming 2024 NFL season? Mike Fanelli looks at five NFL players who could hang it up this offseason.
The 2023 NFL regular season is over. There are 14 teams still fighting for the right to be Super Bowl champions, meaning 18 teams are looking towards the offseason.
While the offseason highlights are the NFL Draft and free agency, player retirements play a critical role in how teams adjust their roster for the year. The running back position inflicts tons of wear and tear on players, which means several RBs around the league could be pondering whether to hang it up before the 2024 season.
Let’s look at five NFL running backs that should retire at the end of the season.
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Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns
Hunt doesn’t belong in the NFL Hall of Fame but does in the hall of very good. The former Toledo star was a superstar during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. While an off-the-field incident tanked his fantasy outlook, Hunt still had several impressive seasons with the Browns.
Cleveland opted against re-signing the running back this offseason, going with Jerome Ford as the No. 2 guy. However, Hunt rejoined the team after Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending injury. The veteran averaged only three yards per rushing attempt in 2023, a career low. While he can still produce around the goal line, it might be time for Hunt to call it a career.
Kareem Hunt TD and some pushups 🙌
📺: #CLEvsBAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kECSNGc6Bj pic.twitter.com/hQrATLaDME— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2023
Leonard Fournette, Buffalo Bills
When the Jacksonville Jaguars used a top-five pick on Fournette, the former LSU star had high expectations. He didn’t quite live up to them in Jacksonville. However, the running back had an impressive run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2020 through 2022, totaling double-digit touchdowns once and helping lead the team to a Super Bowl victory.
Despite re-signing with the team the year before, Fournette asked for his release in the offseason. He didn't sign with a new team until joining the Bills practice squad. Yet, the running back only played in two regular season games, totaling 12 rushing attempts for 40 yards. While he was once a talented player, it’s time for Fournette to retire.
James Robinson, New Orleans Saints
The reason why Leonard Fournette got let go in Jacksonville was Robinson. The undrafted free-agent running back had an impressive training camp, convincing the Jaguars to let go of the former first-round pick. Unfortunately, a torn Achilles in 2021 altered his career.
Robinson returned in 2022 and played well to start the season. He got traded to the New York Jets and fell out of favor quickly. After signing with the New England Patriots in free agency, the running back didn’t make it to mini-camp before getting cut. Robinson has bounced around the league this season before signing a futures deal with the Saints today. However, he should hang up his cleats – it’s over.
The #Saints signed veteran RB James Robinson to a futures deal.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 8, 2024
Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons
After starting his career as a first-round pick wide receiver, Patterson mostly became a core special teams player. He is one of the best returners in NFL history. However, Arthur Smith turned him into a talented running back in 2021, totaling 1,166 offensive yards and 11 touchdowns as the lead back.
Last year, Patterson lost snaps and touches to Tyler Allgeier. Then, the Falcons used the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Bijan Robinson, pushing the veteran to the No. 3 role. Patterson was productive on special teams this season but had only 50 rushing attempts and zero touchdowns on offense. Once his ability to return kicks diminishes, it’s time for him to call it a career.
Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings
Akers had a bright future ahead of him at one point in time. He ended his rookie season on fire, playing well in the playoffs for the Los Angeles Rams. The fantasy football community was excited for the running back heading into his second NFL year. Unfortunately, he tore an Achilles during the offseason, ruining his 2021 season.
Vikings confirmed today that Cam Akers ruptured his left Achilles tendon.
"Cam is pretty bummed out," Kevin O'Connell said.
He tore the right Achilles in 2021.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 6, 2023
Despite returning in time for the Rams’ Super Bowl run in 2021, Akers was never the same. He did end last season playing well, totaling seven rushing touchdowns. Yet, things didn’t work out in Los Angeles, resulting in his trade to Minnesota. Unfortunately, Akers tore his other Achilles earlier this season. After suffering two severe injuries in three years, it might be time for him to give up on football.
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