Four Running Backs to Buy, Sell, or Hold in Dynasty Leagues

As free agency brought many pieces of news, everything we knew is slowly changing. Information is constantly changing and the dynasty values will move in lock-step with it. This series will focus on that market pulse by highlighting players at each spot. Here are four running backs to watch after NFL free agency:

Khalil Herbert, CHI – Sell

The Bears have signed D’Onta Foreman to a one-year contract. The narrative is this becomes a positive sign for Herbert as many other names could have threatened his market perception to a much greater degree. Herbert is a player with a niche following amongst dynasty managers and he still faces a significant threat in the upcoming NFL Draft. The window to sell is still open. He currently resides at RB31 in the latest ADP and can easily pivot out of this range for leverage.

The Move – Sell Herbert for any 2024 second-round pick (or pick at 2.08 or higher) and another running back who could fill his place. With running backs in this range, you are simply making short-term opportunity bets and the timing of free agency allows you to make this deal.

Aaron Jones, GB – Buy

This one may come as a surprise. Jones agreed to restructure his contract and remain in Green Bay for the 2023 season. There were prior doubts that he might be a cut candidate and the pessimism of roster uncertainty and the prospect of Aaron Rodgers leaving town left many with this player wondering what to do. As clarity emerges, consider pivoting from a higher-valued running back to Jones. He has posted multiple top-five seasons in the past and I have no issue building a room around him for another year.

The Move – Tier down from an expensive running back with non-elite upside (Travis Etienne, Kenneth Walker) to Aaron Jones and a 2024 first-round pick. You hedge your bets that Jones can equal the production for another season and the pick acts as a flexible insurance policy.

Melvin Gordon, FA – Add

For the first time ever, Gordon did not crack the latest ADP. 94 running backs checked in the player pool and Gordon was nowhere to be found. I understand he got cut by the Broncos and never suited up for the Chiefs, however, it is clear he can still play. Gordon cleared waivers and it is apparent he may not have much interest across the league. Thus, many dynasty managers will be forced to make tough cuts in the next month and if he remains a free agent, Gordon could be added for free.

The Move – The move is to add him in specific formats (28 or more roster spots) and do so in leagues where your build supports an #AnyRBOnA53 strategy. In the best-case scenario, there is movement on him over the summer and you can make a roster decision with those details. However, I refuse to believe a player who has produced like him in the NFL never suits up again.

Chris Evans, CIN – Drop

We are heading into year three and Evans is already 25 years old. In 26 games on the active roster, Evans has touched the ball a total of 35 times. The Bengals are likely to add numerous options in the backfield and they have re-signed Trayveon Williams to another contract. As someone who was holding Evans, something is missing from his repertoire that keeps him from being involved on the offense. You can cut him to free up a roster spot.

The Move – I would only hold Evans in leagues with 35 players on the roster or greater. In most leagues, there are numerous other speculative plays at RB who I would rather take a chance on.

Conclusion – The RB market continues to dwindle relative to the other positions and one of the major keys will be extracting value during these periods of the off-season when a market exists (or does not exist) for specific players. This is the area to make moves knowing just how volatile the position is outside of specific windows.