Fantasy Football Off-Season Movement: 2024 Running Back Landscape, Part One
Each off-season, I track team needs and the players most likely to fill those needs in a chart like this. In the coming weeks and months, NFL teams will have multiple opportunities to fill those holes, namely the March free agency period and April’s NFL Draft.
In this series, I’ll go position-by-position looking at teams in need, along with the veterans and rookies who could eventually fill the blanks on the chart below.
Unlike the other fantasy-relevant positions, the free-agent running back crop is loaded. That could change pending teams’ Franchise Tag decisions but so many big-name backs hitting the open market also leaves many teams searching for a new starter. This all makes for a fun off-season.
Team Needs
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens once again dealt with multiple injuries in their backfield, starting with JK Dobbins in the season opener. With a second major injury, Dobbins’ career is unfortunately in question. Even if he’s able to return to the field, he’s a free agent, as is veteran fill-in Gus Edwards. That leaves Baltimore to rely on electric Keaton Mitchell, who will also use the off-season to recover from an injury. Given the success the Ravens have had this season despite a lack of star power in the backfield, they may not even prioritize the position this off-season. With that said, free agent Derrick Henry was made to play in this offense.
Dallas Cowboys
Last off-season, Dallas slapped the Franchise Tag on Tony Pollard only to see the back struggle through much of the 2023 season. The Cowboys are in a difficult spot as they are unlikely to tag Pollard for a second straight season but also are not interested in giving him a long-term deal. Backup Rico Dowdle played well when given a chance this past season and he will be a restricted free agent, making it much more likely the team will keep him.
Houston Texans
Houston took a shot on free agent Devin Singletary last off-season and the veteran overtook Dameon Pierce for the starting job and gave the offense a nice boost. Singletary now reenters free agency, leaving the Texans once again looking for backfield help. With a young and explosive offense that took huge steps in 2023, Houston could look to make a splash by adding a top veteran free agent to their backfield.
Los Angeles Chargers
Last off-season was messy for the Chargers’ backfield as Austin Ekeler requested a trade. Ultimately, the two sides worked things out but the Ekeler took a significant step back in production. With a new coaching staff in town, it is easy to see the Chargers starting fresh in the backfield. Backup Joshua Kelley will also be a free agent, leaving Isaiah Spiller as the only returning runner of note.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have a similar story to several other teams. They were able to retain their free agent back, Josh Jacobs, last off-season but are unlikely to repeat that feat. Zamir White played well in place of Jacobs late in the season and is expected to have a larger role moving forward.
New York Giants
The Giants battled last off-season to find a way to keep both quarterback Daniel Jones, as well as Saquon Barkley. Those moves went about as poorly as possible and now Barkley is set to bail on the Giants, leaving them with no real option. The entire offense took a step back this past season and the Giants have many other holes to fill in addition to their backfield. It is hard to see this being a priority for them, as barren as the depth chart is currently.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles shook things up last off-season, trading for disgruntled veteran D’Andre Swift on draft weekend. That move proved successful as Swift led the Eagles backfield for the majority of the season. Now he enters free agency, as does Boston Scott and even Rashaad Penny. That leaves only Kenneth Gainwell on the depth chart. If Philly doesn’t retain Swift, they will have to make a splash elsewhere and will do so under a new offensive coordinator.
Tennessee Titans
It was pretty obvious late in the season that veteran Derrick Henry would not be back with the Titans in 2024. The team did invest in rookie Tyjae Spears a year ago so unlike so many other teams on this list, the Titans do have an in-house option to lead their 2024 backfield, though additions still need to be made.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are the first team on this list that could roll into next season with their current backfield. They aggressively added veteran Miles Sanders last year and that move bombed as he quickly lost control of the backfield. Chuba Hubbard played the best ball of his young career and is the favorite to keep the starting job if no significant moves are made. New head coach Dave Canales was lauded for his work with Buccaneers quarterback Bake Mayfield this season but running back Rachaad White also enjoyed a breakout year. This is a situation to target in dynasty leagues.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are expected to enter the 2024 campaign with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson as key members of their backfield as D’Onta Foreman enters free agency. All three backs were contributors in 2023, though none played well enough to claim the backfield for their own. I’ll likely be avoiding this Bears backfield once again in 2024.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings parted ways with veteran Dalvin Cook last off-season and handed the job to talented backup Alexander Mattison. As has happened so many times over the years, the backup who flashed in limited opportunity wasn’t able to sustain that production when given the chance. Mattison dealt with injuries and struggled all around in 2023. Backup Ty Chandler played well at times, but I don’t think the Vikings 2024 starter is currently on the roster.
Cincinnati Bengals
This one seems kind of obvious. Veteran starter Joe Mixon is entering the final year of his contract and the team has an out that could save them millions. They are also facing some tough financial decisions, including finding a way to retain receiver Tee Higgins. Oh, and Chase Brown was very impressive late in the season when his playing time spiked. I expect Mixon to be searching for a new team this off-season. If and when the Bengals cut Mixon, Brown’s value will soar.
With so much to cover at the running back position, this will be a two-parter. In the next article, we’ll look at the running backs that make up the free agent and rookie class of 2024, along with some possible cap casualties.
- DLF’s April 1QB Trade Value Chart - April 24, 2024
- Monday Mocks: Expert 2024 Rookie Mock Draft - April 22, 2024
- Monday Mocks: 2024 Landing Spots - April 15, 2024
