Ranking the 10 best running backs available in 2023 NFL free agency
RB Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The NFL free agent class of running backs is absolutely loaded. Who are the best ball carriers that will be available in the offseason?
If your NFL team is in need of a running back, this is the right offseason to be searching for one. The free agent class of ball carriers is absolutely stacked, which should create a buyer’s market as teams look to stock up on a talented group of backs.
This group of runners is so deep that players like Rashaad Penny, D’Onta Foreman and Jeff Wilson couldn’t even make the cut. Let’s take a look at the 10 best running backs available in free agency, starting with a backup that has potential to be a true every-down back.
10. Top Free Agent Running Backs – Alexander Mattison
Dalvin Cook’s long-time backup in Minnesota has shined when given the opportunity but the Vikings’ tight salary cap situation and defensive needs could lead them to move on. This would be music to the ears of Mattison, who has been looking for an opportunity to head up his own backfield since entering the league in 2019. Signing Mattison would be more of an upside play but there worse options available than a guy who averages 4.1 yards per carry over the course of his career and has just 474 touches over four seasons.
9. Top Free Agent Running Backs – Devin Singletary
Singletary has proven to be a solid complementary piece in the backfield but lacks the kind of upside that would make him an every-down back. The Buffalo Bills didn’t trust Singletary to be their top back, pairing him with Zack Moss, James Cook and Nyheim Hines over the past few years and now may look for a bigger bang at the position. Teams in the market for a 1A back or complementary rusher would do well to take a look at Singletary.
8. Top Free Agent Running Backs – Jamaal Williams
The Lions made Williams their goal-line back in 2022 and he delivered 17 touchdowns, which is more than Detroit could have dreamed for out of him. Williams also became Detroit’s top runner with D’Andre Swift dealing with injuries and delivered his first career 1,000-yard season as a result. There will undoubtedly be touchdown regression in 2023 but Williams has earned himself a nice payday after spending a lot of time in committees early in his career.
