Fantasy Football Outlooks For RBs On New Teams: Najee Harris, Javonte Williams, Rico Dowdle, Jordan Mason, Raheem Mostert, Elijah Mitchell, more

Phil Clark breaks down the outlooks of the free-agent running backs who have changed teams in the early days of 2025 NFL free agency. Who landed in a good/bad situation?

Free agency has fueled a massive wave of player movement that has transformed the fantasy landscape. This includes the results that have emerged after a collection of running backs garnered contracts that will launch them into new environments this season.

These backs will be challenged to replicate the prolific numbers that were assembled by the most prominent members of last year’s free-agent class whose highly productive seasons provided reminders that running backs can be critical difference makers for their teams -- (Saquon Barkley/Derrick Henry/Josh Jacobs/Tony Pollard/Aaron Jones). An impressive array of rookies are also primed to compete for sizable roles with the franchises that will select them during the upcoming NFL Draft.

Their looming presence has impacted the decision-making process of various team executives restructuring their backfields during the offseason. However, the impending arrival of this year’s enticing rookie class has not prevented a group of free agents from securing new contracts that will fuel their relocation into new landing spots. This article will examine these veteran backs, while the status of backs who currently remain unsigned will also be updated once they have finalized new deals.

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Signed Running Backs

Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers

Najee Harris's lack of explosiveness prevents him from eliciting the same level of excitement that exists for some backs who have been unable to match his numbers. However, Harris emerged as the most intriguing back to enter the open market. This fueled his ability to secure a one-year, $9.25 million contract with Los Angeles that contains a $5.25 million base salary.

In 4 NFL seasons, Najee Harris has never finished under 1K rushing yards 🔥

Most underrated RB in the league?pic.twitter.com/PLnXv41CnX

— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) March 11, 2025

That concluded his tenure with Pittsburgh, where he never missed a game during his four seasons with the Steelers. Harris is also second among all backs in attempts (1,097/16.1 per game), and fifth in rushing yards (4,312/63.4 per game) since his NFL career began in 2021.

Harris also finished seventh in carries (263/15.5 per game) in 2024. He was also ninth in red-zone attempts (51), ninth in yards after contact (728), and seventh in missed tackles forced (50), according to Fantasy Points Data.

Harris now joins an offense that vaulted to 10th in rushing play percentage (45.5 percent) last season after finishing 26th during 2023 (39 percent).

Harris’s migration to Los Angeles could preclude J.K. Dobbins from signing a deal that keeps him involved in the Chargers backfield rotation. It has also created a reshaped depth chart that contains Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins directly below Harris.

That currently leaves Harris primed to operate as a workhorse back for the Chargers while delivering RB2 output to fantasy managers. However, Los Angeles could make an impactful addition to the backfield during the NFL Draft, which would infuse greater competition for touches into the equation.

Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys 

Cowboys signing RB Javonte Williams to one-year, $3M deal. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/8QossdvnwZ

— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2025

Javonte Williams has been supplied with an opportunity to resuscitate his career with Dallas following an increasingly disappointing tenure with Denver. Williams entered free agency after the Broncos opted not to retain him and secured a one-year, $3 million contract with the Cowboys.

Huge night for Javonte Williams as the lead back.

27 touches
160 total yards
1 receiving TD

📺: #DENvsKC on NBC
📱: https://t.co/uJbgLU8JP7 pic.twitter.com/DBUMoGkE5D

— NFL (@NFL) December 6, 2021

Williams finished third among all rookies in attempts (203/11.9 per game) and rushing yards (903/53.1 per game) during 2021. However, he was unable to reach that yardage total during his final three seasons with Denver.

That includes the numbers that he assembled in 2024 when Williams accumulated 139 attempts/513 rushing yards despite playing in 17 games. He also registered career lows in both attempts (8.2) and yards per game (30.2) and was 45th in rush yards over expected (-83), according to Next Gen Stats.

Williams did establish career highs in targets (70/4.1 per game), receptions (52/3.1 per game), and receiving yards (346/20.4 per game).

Williams’ contract foreshadowed the eventual departure of Rico Dowdle, although the Cowboys also signed Miles Sanders on a one-year deal. These developments have positioned Williams to secure a favorable workload. 

However, the Dallas depth chart could undergo additional changes during the offseason as the Cowboys transition under head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams.

Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers 

Panthers signing RB Rico Dowdle to one-year deal worth up to 6.25M. (via @RapSheet, @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/CjAde37V1b

— NFL (@NFL) March 12, 2025

Rico Dowdle was limited to 19 offensive snaps and seven touches during his first two seasons with the Cowboys (2021-22) and averaged 5.6 carries/22.6 rushing yards per game in 2023.

However, Dowdle's ascending role in the Dallas offense propelled him to RB2 output for fantasy managers (12.4 points per game). His performance last season also expedited his ability to garner a one-year contract worth up to $6.25 million with Carolina.

Rico Dowdle picks up 27 yards!

📺: #CINvsDAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/jB6DA4IBQ2

— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2024

Dowdle vaulted to 12th in rushing yards (1,079/67.4 per game) and 13th in yards per attempt (4.6). He also rose to 14th in explosive runs (26) and 15th in forced missed tackles (45), according to PFF. That includes Dowdle’s numbers from Weeks 12-17 when he finished second in rushing yards (605/100.8 per game) and yards after contact (387).

Dowdle will now resurface in a Carolina offense that is improving under Dave Canales and should benefit from operating behind an offensive line that finished eighth in PFF’s 2024 rankings.

Dowdle should also secure a consistent workload, even though he will function as the Panthers RB2 behind Chuba Hubbard. Dowdle should also operate as a flex on your rosters and is an enticing handcuff if you have invested in Hubbard.

Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings

The 49ers have traded RB Jordan Mason to the Vikings who gets a 2-year/$12M deal, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/LNU8aLwgGu

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) March 16, 2025

Jordan Mason will operate in a new environment following the trade that sent him from San Francisco to Minnesota. Mason had completed the three-year contract he signed as an undrafted rookie in 2022, which positioned him to become a restricted free agent. The 49ers had placed a second-round tender on Mason but traded him to the Vikings four days later.

Mason demonstrated his ability to thrive with a sizable workload after injuries to Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) and Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) vaulted him into lead-back duties in Week 1.

Mason soared to second in attempts (128/18.3 per game) and rushing yards (667/95.3 per game) from Weeks 1-7 while generating a league-high 390 yards after contact. He was limited to 47 snaps from Weeks 8-13 by a shoulder injury, while a high ankle sprain led to his placement on injured reserve from Weeks 14-18.

that led to his placement on injured reserve.

Who was able to get Jordan Mason??

two games two TDs 🔥 pic.twitter.com/02ewKnafji

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) September 15, 2024

Mason still paced the 49ers in carries (153/12.8 per game) and rushing yards (789/65.8 per game) from Weeks 1-18. He also rose to sixth in yards per attempt (5.2) and 19th in explosive runs (23), according to PFF.

The 25-year-old Mason has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the Vikings and should function as the RB2 behind Aaron Jones. He has emerged as an effective handcuff and should seize an extensive workload if Jones is sidelined for any reason.

Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals

Samaje Perine’s two-year, $3.8 million deal with Cincinnati will not be included among this year’s most impactful free-agent signings at the running back position. However, Perine’s return to the Bengals should elevate him into an ongoing role as Cincinnati’s RB2.

The #Bengals are bringing back RB Samaje Perine on a two-year deal worth up to $3.8 million, source says. pic.twitter.com/i25xu25TRv

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 10, 2025

Perine has played for five different franchises during his eight seasons at the NFL level, and his career highs in attempts (175/10.9 per game), red-zone carries (24), and rushing yards (603/37.7 per game) were established during 2017. Perine also played in 54 games as a Bengal from 2019-22 while averaging 4.4 carries/17.7 rushing yards/1.8 targets per game from 2020-22.

Perine later signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with Denver in 2023, where he secured career highs in targets (56/3.3 per game), receptions (50/2.9 per game), and receiving yards (455/26.8 per game). He also averaged 2.8 touches per game after relocating to Kansas City last season.

Khalil Herbert has departed Cincinnati during free agency. Zack Moss could also be released after being leapfrogged by Chase Brown on the depth chart and missing nine games with a lingering neck injury. These factors have positioned Perine to function as a complement to Brown, who should flourish as the Bengals lead back.

Elijah Mitchell, Kansas City Chiefs 

The Chiefs are signing RB Elijah Mitchell worth up to $3.5M, per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/5hxR07bfMO

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) March 10, 2025

Former 49er Elijah Mitchell attained a one-year contract with Kansas City that is worth up to $3.5 million. He was originally selected in Round 6 of the 2021 NFL Draft (194th overall) and ascended to the top of San Francisco’s depth chart during 2021.

The rook Elijah Mitchell had 100+ total yards for the 4th time this season on Sunday 👀

32 touches
168 total yards
1 touchdown pic.twitter.com/dQQZawBaTV

— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2021

Mitchell led the 49ers in attempts (207/18.8 per game) and rushing yards (963/87.5 per game) during his promising rookie season. He also vaulted to fourth among all backs in rushing yards from Weeks 7-18 (774/96.8 per game) while tying for second overall with four games of 100+ and rising to third in yards after contact (474).

However, Mitchell also failed to replicate those numbers from 2022 to 2024 as recurrent health issues limited him to 16 games during that span. That includes his placement on injured reserve throughout the 2024 regular season due to a hamstring injury.

Mitchell will be integrated into a Kansas City backfield that also contains Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. Mitchell may not emerge with a sizable workload but could seize a role in the Chiefs' revamped rotation.

Raheem Mostert, Las Vegas Raiders

Raheem Mostert was released by Miami in mid-February, which propelled the 10-year veteran into the mix of free-agent backs. However, Mostert will resurface in Las Vegas after reaching an agreement on a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Raiders.

Raiders signing RB Raheem Mostert to one-year, $2.1M deal. (via @cameronwolfe) pic.twitter.com/wUNNPJTydI

— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2025

Mostert had originally signed with the Dolphins in 2022, as he followed Mike McDaniel from San Francisco. Mostert finished 10th in rushing yards during 2023 (1,012/67.5 per game) while leading all backs in touchdowns (18). He also finished fourth in points per game (17.8) and secured the fifth-highest grade at his position from PFF.

Raheem Mostert scores his FOURTH TD of the day!

📺: #DENvsMIA on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UQdQ05hqXN pic.twitter.com/LMkUz6IwAx

— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2023

However, Mostert’s snap share dropped from 57 to 32 percent in 2024, as he averaged 6.5 attempts/21.4 rushing yards per game and manufactured just two touchdowns.

Mostert will turn 33 in April but will be reunited with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who was Mostert’s head coach at San Francisco in 2016. Mostert should seize a role in the Las Vegas backfield rotation, although the Raiders should make further additions to their depth chart during the upcoming weeks.

Khalil Herbert, Indianapolis Colts 

Breaking #Colts News:

The #Colts have agreed to a contract with former Bears and Bengals RB Khalil Herbert on a 1 year deal. pic.twitter.com/Oq8t0gEvTU

— The Blue Stable (@TheBlue_Stable) March 12, 2025

Khalil Herbert joined the Colts running back room when he signed a one-year contract with Indianapolis. Herbert was selected by Chicago in Round 6 of the 2021 NFL Draft and averaged 7.8 attempts/37.3 rushing yards per game in 48 games with the Bears.

He also established career highs in snap share (45 percent), carries (132/11.0 per game), and rushing yards (731 yards/56.2 per game) with Chicago before he was traded to Cincinnati last November.

Herbert functioned as the direct backup to Chase Brown after he was infused into the Bengals backfield rotation. He also operated with a 19.8 percent snap share and averaged 3.5 attempts/14.3 rushing yards per game from Weeks 10-18.

Herbert should ascend into an ongoing role as the Colts RB2 while catapulting Tyler Goodson on the Indianapolis depth chart. That will elevate him into consideration as a handcuff for anyone who invests in Jonathan Taylor.

Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers 

Kenneth Gainwell’s entrance into free agency did not prompt a surge of interest within the fantasy community. However, the one-year, $1.79 million contract that Gainwell has signed with Pittsburgh will place him in a complementary role within the Steelers backfield rotation.

Sources: The #Steelers are finalizing a 1-year with former #Eagles RB Kenneth Gainwell.

Gainwell, who had 1,906 total yards and 13 TDs in four years with Philly, stays in the state of Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/PbyHwb9Ctk

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 12, 2025

Philadelphia selected Gainwell in Round 5 of the 2021 NFL Draft, and his snap shares ranged from 26-41 percent during his four seasons with the Eagles. He also averaged 4.2 attempts/18.0 rushing yards/2.1 targets per game during that sequence.

Here is the career long run for Kenneth Gainwell to date #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/HMYdxfZpt2

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 12, 2025

The massive workload that was commandeered by Saquon Barkley in 2024 (772 snaps/378 touches) placed significant constraints on Gainwell’s involvement. Gainwell registered a career-low 26 percent snap share, along with 75 carries, 290 rushing yards, and 16 receptions.

Gainwell will now emerge below Jaylen Warren on Pittsburgh’s depth chart. His versatility as a rusher and receiving weapon currently sustains his viability as a low-end flex option in PPR leagues. However, the Steelers could make another addition to their running back room as the offseason continues.

A.J. Dillon, Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles signing RB AJ Dillon to one-year deal. (via @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/tSr99G5egj

— NFL (@NFL) March 12, 2025

A.J. Dillon agreed to a one-year deal with Philadelphia. That should propel him into competition with Will Shipley for the RB2 role that was previously designated for Kenneth Gainwell in the Eagles backfield.

Dillon was sidelined throughout the 2024 regular season after a neck injury led to his placement on injured reserve without a return designation. His snap shares had increased during each of his first four seasons with Green Bay (2020-23), including the career-high 51 percent that he attained in 2023.

Philly!!! 🦅

— AJ Dillon (@ajdillon7) March 13, 2025

Dillon also averaged 10 attempts/40.5 rushing yards per game during that sequence. He also accumulated 36+ red-zone attempts twice while finishing among the top 10 in 2021 (41). Dillon's workload will be restricted as Saquon Barkley confiscates massive touch totals. However, Dillon’s role would increase significantly if Barkley is forced to the sideline.

Miles Sanders, Dallas Cowboys

Miles Sanders will attempt to resurrect his relevance after signing a one-year, $1.337 million contract with Dallas.

Sources: Miles Sanders plans to sign with the #Cowboys on a one-year deal. pic.twitter.com/Jx9jDzKyoP

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 14, 2025

Sanders' career has degenerated considerably since 2023, which coincides with his transition from Philadelphia to Carolina. Sanders averaged 13.0 attempts/65.1 rushing yards per game during his four seasons with the Eagles (2019-22) while averaging 5.0 yards per attempt. He also finished fifth among all backs in rushing yards (1,269/74.6 per game) and seventh in touchdowns (11) during 2022.

Those numbers plummeted during his two seasons with the Panthers, as he averaged 6.8 carries/23.6 rushing yards per game, 3.5 per attempt, and accrued three touchdowns in both seasons combined.

Sanders will now join a restructured backfield that also contains Javonte Williams. The Cowboys could inject another running back into the equation as the offseason continues. However, Sanders currently retains flex status in deeper leagues.

Alexander Mattison, Miami Dolphins

Alexander Mattison will resurface in a new backfield for the second consecutive season after signing a one-year contract with Miami. Mattison led Las Vegas backs in snap share (48 percent), attempts (132/9.4 per game), rushing yards (420/30.0 per game), and yards after contact (298) during 2024.

Sources: Former #Raiders RB Alexander Mattison is signing with the #Dolphins.

Proven vet heads to South Beach to team up with Tua Tagovailoa and Co. pic.twitter.com/uQYMZv1KQr

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 13, 2025

However, Mattison was inefficient while averaging just 3.2 yards per attempt, and failing to exceed 3.0 per attempt during seven matchups. He bypassed Zamir White for the lead-back role in Week 5 but was less effective than Sincere McCormick and Ameer Abdullah as the season progressed. Mattison also finished just 44th in rush yards over expected per attempt (-0.59).

Mattison also functioned as Dalvin Cook’s backup throughout most of his tenure with Minnesota (2019-22) before pacing the Vikings in attempts (180/11.3 per game) and rushing yards (700/43.8 per game) in 2023.

Mattison should remain below De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright on the Dolphins’ depth chart. That will limit his viability as a roster option for fantasy managers unless Achane becomes unavailable during the season.

Unsigned Running Backs

J.K. Dobbins, Unrestricted Free Agent  

Nick Chubb, Unrestricted Free Agent  

Gus Edwards, Unrestricted Free Agent 

Cam Akers, Unrestricted Free Agent

Ameer Abdullah, Unrestricted Free Agent

Jamaal Williams, Unrestricted Free Agent 

Jaylen Warren, Restricted Free Agent - Received Second-Round Tender 

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