2022 NFL free agents: Running back

With the NFL's franchise-tag deadline in the past, attention moves to the opening of the league's free-agent negotiating window March 14.

These are the best running backs slated to hit the market.

By position
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DL | ED | LB | CB | S
Top 100

1. Cordarrelle Patterson

A jack of all trades, Patterson shined as a rusher and receiver with the Falcons after previously establishing himself as an All-Pro returner. He accumulated a career-high 1,166 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns last season.

2. Leonard Fournette

Fournette was a key part of the Bucs' success over the last two seasons. But will teams be ready to buy stock, or will they attribute his success to his favorable situation?

3. James Conner

Conner shined after settling into a timeshare with Chase Edmonds in the Cardinals' backfield. Though durability has been a concern, he suited up for a career-high 15 games in 2021 and finished with an NFC-best 15 rushing touchdowns.

4. Rashaad Penny

Don't throw in the towel on Penny just yet. The former first-round back enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2021, rushing for 749 yards on a staggering 6.3 yards per carry across 10 appearances.

5. Patrick Ricard (FB)

Ricard is among the few fullbacks left in the NFL, but he has certainly proven his worth in the Ravens' run-heavy offense and earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections.

6. Melvin Gordon

While many might view him as unspectacular, Gordon averaged 4.6 and 4.5 yards per carry in his two campaigns with Denver. It's hard to argue with that production.

7. Chase Edmonds

An effective scatback, Edmonds will occasionally turn an innocuous carry or catch into a home run. A bell cow role might be too much for the Fordham product to handle.

8. Raheem Mostert

Noted for his electric burst out of the backfield, Mostert could exceed expectations if he's able to bounce back from a season-ending knee injury that wiped out most of his 2021 campaign.