One of the more fascinating aspects of the early stages of the 2024 NFL free agency period has been the running back market. We have seen steady performers such as Tennessee’s Derrick Henry (Ravens), Cincinnati’s Joe Mixon (traded to Texans), Green Bay’s Aaron Jones (Vikings) and more have found new homes.
Here’s something somewhat fascinating. A year ago, there were a total of six players given the “franchise” tag, and one-third of those performers were running backs. The New York Giants tagged Saquon Barkley, the Las Vegas Raiders did the same 2022 NFL rushing leader Josh Jacobs, and the Dallas Cowboys opted to give running back Tony Pollard the tag while parting ways with Ezekiel Elliott.
Each of those three players signed one-year deals to play in 2023. Now, each of these veterans are with new teams.
Greener Pastures
Via Spotrac, Barkley went from one NFC East team to another. He signed with the rival Philadelphia Eagles to the tune of three years and $37.75 million. Jacobs takes over the lead role from Jones, inking a four-year, $48 million contract. Finally, Pollard joined the Tennessee Titans via a three-year, $21 million deal.
- Ep. 197: Fields to Pittsburgh, Still Available Free Agentsby Full Press Coverage on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Also worth noting is that while Pollard ran for 1,005 yards, just two less than his 2022 total (1,007), both Jacobs (805) and Barkley (962) saw their production dip after seasons in which they rushed for 1,653 and 1,312 yards, respectively. Of course, it’s worth noting that Jacobs played in four less games than he did in 2022, while Barkley appeared in two fewer contests.
Nevertheless, all three of these talents will start 2024 in new homes, and with the opportunity to put up big numbers similar to 2022. Perhaps the player that has the biggest shoes to fill is Pollard. Making the memory of Derrick Henry disappear won’t be an easy task, and the former Cowboys’ standout is a different kind of player.
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Other Runners On The Move
There have been some other notable runners change teams. The Bears signed D’Andre Swift away from the Eagles, hence the Birds’ move on Barkley. Antonio Gibson went from Washington to New England. Longtime Chargers’ standout Austin Ekeler is now with the Commanders, while physical Gus Edwards is now a member of Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers.
The start of the 2024 NFL fiscal year has its share of storylines, and a trio of former “franchise” players cashing in this offseason most certainly makes the list.