2021 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 on March 15.
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
Running back
1. Aaron Jones
It's easy to see why Jones is the top running back available. Over the last two seasons, he's averaged five yards per carry, scored 30 touchdowns from scrimmage, and topped 1,000 rushing yards twice. The 26-year-old has been a focal point of the Packers' elite offense under Matt LaFleur, and he should bring plenty of fireworks to a new team if Green Bay doesn't re-sign him.
2. Chris Carson
Though he's battled injuries and fumble issues in the past, Carson should be a no-brainer for teams seeking a new primary ball carrier. The 26-year-old averaged 4.6 yards per carry over four seasons with the Seahawks behind a shaky offensive line, and he also made plays as a pass-catcher.
3. Kenyan Drake
Drake has run for 1,598 yards (4.4 per carry) and 18 touchdowns across 23 games since being traded to the Cardinals in 2019. However, Arizona was often better last year with Chase Edmonds on the field.
4. James Conner
While Conner hasn't returned to a Pro Bowl level since earning his only selection in 2018, he heads to the market as one of the top runners available. He rushed for 721 yards (4.3 per carry) and six touchdowns across 13 appearances with the Steelers in 2020.
5. Marlon Mack
Mack was extremely productive over four seasons with the Colts, and he's only 25. But Mack had the benefit of playing behind an excellent offensive line in Indianapolis, and he's coming off a torn Achilles. He could face a tough market.
6. Leonard Fournette
Fournette boosted his stock in the playoffs, rushing for more yards in four postseason games than he did in 13 regular-season outings. He'll look to parlay that impressive run - pun intended - into a healthy new deal.
7. Jamaal Williams
He may not have enough explosion or power to be featured in the backfield, but Williams' ability to run, catch, and pick up blitzes makes him one of the league's most versatile running backs.
8. James White
Any team eyeing a pass-catcher out of the backfield figures to covet White, who may be the league's best in that department. He doesn't break enough tackles to serve as a between-the-tackles runner, though.
9. Kyle Juszczyk (FB)
Juszczyk landed the largest fullback deal in NFL history in 2017, and he could get another lucrative pact this offseason. He's one of the few at his position who isn't exclusively a blocker.
10. Mark Ingram
Ingram lost playing time with the Ravens last season and was eventually a healthy scratch in the playoffs. The 31-year-old still averaged 4.2 yards per carry, though, and he may have a solid year or two left in the tank.
11. Todd Gurley
Though he managed to rush for nine touchdowns with the Falcons, Gurley averaged under 4 yards per carry for the second straight campaign. The two-time All-Pro is only 26, but he's now two years removed from being a viable starter.