Why running backs have experienced a rebirth at start of free agency

Eric Williams

NFC West Writer

Perhaps the NFL values running backs after all — at the right price.

A year after the position appeared devalued, the demand for running backs returned on the opening day of the legal negotiation period for free agency.

Last year, big names like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard were all franchise-tagged at $10.1 million. But with the running back franchise tag rising to $12 million this year, all three players were allowed to hit free agency to establish their value.

Barkley received the most lucrative deal — a three-year, $37.75 million contract, with $26 million guaranteed at signing — to move from the New York Giants to their NFC East division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jacobs agreed to a reported four-year, $48 million deal that includes $12.5 million guaranteed to join the Green Bay Packers, who then released Aaron Jones. It’s essentially a one-year, $14.8 million deal for Jacobs, providing little security beyond this season.

Jones, 29, was due to make $12 million in 2024, and the Packers got younger at running back with the addition of the 26-year-old Jacobs. Free to sign with anyone on the open market, Jones reportedly agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. He was reportedly asked to take a pay cut to stay with the Packers. 

Pollard signed a three-year, $24 million deal to join the Tennessee Titans. Other running backs who agreed to new deals Monday include Austin Ekeler with the Washington Commanders (two years, $8.34 million), D’Andre Swift with the Chicago Bears (three years, $24 million), Devin Singletary with the Giants (three years, $16.5 million), Antonio Gibson with the New England Patriots (three years, $11.25 million) and Gus Edwards with the Los Angeles Chargers (two years, $6.25 million).

Former Indianapolis Colts back Zack Moss agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, who then…

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Publish date : 2024-03-12 15:48:10

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