As we know, there are a number of different approaches in dynasty football. Some owners like to come hot out of the gates with a “win now” paradigm, while others are content punting a few seasons in an attempt to build a long-lasting dynasty in the years subsequent. Forward-thinking “windows” may then subsequently be defined, be it one year, three years, or even farther out.
Regardless of tact, there is one commonality with any vision of the future – to some extent, you still need to plan ahead! None of us is Nostradamus, and there is always risk with making longer-term investments predicated upon scenarios for which you have no control. As an example, a prospective free agent may eschew goodness of team fit for greatness of money, thereby failing to provide return upon fantasy investment.
But this is no reason to play scared! To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, “there is no knowledge that is not power.” With that in mind, this miniseries seeks to provide information and assessment on the 2026 crop of free agents – yes, a full year in advance, such that you can stay ahead of your league mates. Let’s continue with the running back position!
2021 and 2022 Rookie Running Backs
As we know, every rookie drafted into the NFL is placed on a four-year contract, with a team option for a fifth year for those selected in the draft’s first round. Given this, there exists the potential for members of the 2021 and 2022 rookie classes to join the ranks of free agency.
For the 2021 rookies, Najee Harris already had his fifth-year option declined and he’s currently an unrestricted free agent. The player picked immediately behind him, Jacksonville’s Travis Etienne, did have his option picked up, though the team may now be second-guessing that decision following a middling 2024 campaign.
