Top 2025 Free Agent Running Backs, Projected Contracts, and Landing Spots

Aaron Jones (MIN)

Aaron Jones continues to perform at a high level despite his age, proving to be an efficient and dynamic playmaker. He remains a reliable option for a heavy workload while still generating explosive plays. Teams in need of an immediate impact running back will view Jones as a strong short-term investment.

2024 Stats:

Carries: 255 (9th)
Yards: 1,138 (9th)
Touchdowns: 5
Yards per Carry: 4.5

Projected Contract: 2 years, $9 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Vikings – Minnesota may want to retain their veteran back after his strong season, especially with JJ McCarthy needing confidence in his 1st season.
Steelers – Pittsburgh could look to add the best veteran running back in free agency with both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren potentially leaving in free agency.
Chargers – Both JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards are leaving in free agency. After a strong season the Chargers likely will want to go in on a sure thing backfield.
Cowboys – If Dallas wants to fill in their need at running back without spending a premium pick on a player such as Ashton Jeanty, this is the best option.

Dark Horse: Broncos

Prediction: Vikings

Rico Dowdle (DAL)

Rico Dowdle took full advantage of his first year as a starter, showcasing his ability as an efficient and dynamic runner. While not a short-yardage or goal-line back, Dowdle thrives as part of a backfield committee and can add a valuable change-of-pace element.

2024 Stats:

Carries: 235 (15th)
Yards: 1,079 (T-12th)
Touchdowns: 2
Yards per Carry: 4.6

Projected Contract: 2 years, $6.5 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Broncos – Denver could look for a fresh face in their backfield rotation and Dowdle would pair extremely well with sophomore Audric Estime as a 1-2 punch.
Steelers – Pittsburgh could view Dowdle as a high upside back that hasn’t had his whole potential quite unlocked yet.
Raiders – The Raiders could use a big play runner behind new quarterback Geno Smith to help take pressure off their new quarterback.
Patriots – Rhamondre Stevenson isn’t the ideal lead running back for an offense, Dowdle is an underrated option the Patriots could pursue to form a strong duo.

Dark Horse: Browns

Prediction: Broncos

Najee Harris (PIT)

A durable and physical runner, Najee Harris has handled a heavy workload throughout his career, consistently surpassing 1,000 yards. While not the most explosive back, he provides reliability and leadership. He’s best suited for a team that pairs him with a shiftier third-down option.

2024 Stats:

Carries: 263 (7th)
Yards: 1,043 (14th)
Touchdowns: 6
Yards per Carry: 4.0

Projected Contract: 3 years, $8.5 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Cowboys – With Dowdle leaving in free agency the Cowboys will likely want to find a long term and reliable lead back like Najee.
Raiders – The Raider backfield was one of the worst in the league after moving on from Josh Jacobs. Najee is a consistent guy they can depend on to make up for that loss of production.
Chargers – With 2 running backs entering free agency the Chargers may invest heavily into the position for long term security.
Vikings – If Minnesota lets Aaron Jones leave, Najee is a plug and play replacement that fits their scheme extremely well.

Dark Horse: Bears

Prediction: Raiders

J.K. Dobbins (LAC)

J.K. Dobbins finally put together a healthy and productive season in Los Angeles, but his injury history remains a major concern. When on the field, he’s a talented and elusive runner capable of making a significant impact.

2024 Stats:

Carries: 195 (24th)
Yards: 905 (22nd)
Touchdowns: 9
Yards per Carry: 4.6

Projected Contract: 2 years, $6 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Chargers – Los Angeles could opt to keep Dobbins after his breakout year for them in his first majorly healthy season.
Cowboys – Dallas could look towards Dobbins as a low risk high upside bandaid rather than spending valuable resources on a running back.
Steelers – Dobbins would act as a great and cheaper Najee replacement that may even be an upgrade for Pittsburgh if healthy.
Broncos – The Broncos could see Dobbins as a good fit and an undervalued home run addition.

Dark Horse: Patriots

Prediction: Steelers

Jordan Mason (SF)

Mason emerged as a key contributor for San Francisco following an injury to Christian McCaffrey. As a restricted free agent the 49ers have control over his future, but if he becomes available he will be one of the top backs on the market.

2024 Stats:

Carries: 153 (T-29th)
Yards: 789 (28th)
Touchdowns: 3
Yards per Carry: 5.2

Projected Contract: 2 years, $4.75 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Patriots – New England could use a tough, efficient runner for a good price to pair with Stevenson.
49ers – San Francisco has the option to retain him and likely will for cheap as insurance behind McCaffrey.
Cowboys – Dallas may want a physical back to complement their offense and make them more productive on the goal line.
Browns – Jordan Mason is a fantastic fit for Cleveland’s offense and would make sense as a cheap offense they can actually afford.

Dark Horse: Dolphins

Prediction: 49ers

Javonte Williams (DEN)

Williams was once viewed as a top young running back, but an ACL injury in 2022 slowed his career. Despite this, he remains a dangerous playmaker and an excellent third-down option who thrives as a receiving back.

2024 Stats:

Carries: 139 (T-35th)
Yards: 513 (42nd)
Touchdowns: 4
Yards per Carry: 3.7

Projected Contract: 1 year, $5.5 million

Top Landing Spots:

Patriots – New England could use Williams in a committee approach as an explosive weapon for Maye.
Chargers – Los Angeles may look to Javonte as someone who can play a similar role to Austin Ekeler in their offense.
Cowboys – Dallas could take a chance on Javonte to replace Dowdle and pair him with another running back in the draft.
Commanders – Washington may look for a back with home run ability to pair with Brian Robinson Jr.

Dark Horse: Chiefs

Prediction: Chargers

Nick Chubb (CLE)

One of the best backs of the past decade, Chubb’s 2023 injury was a devastating blow. He returned in 2024 but lacked his usual explosiveness. Teams will hope that another full offseason of recovery as well as a new environment with a stronger system can help him regain form.

2024 Stats:

Carries: 102 (T-48th)
Yards: 332 (59th)
Touchdowns: 3
Yards per Carry: 3.3

Projected Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million

Top Landing Spots:

Browns – Cleveland may opt to bring back their franchise legend.
Chiefs – Kansas City could take a low-risk chance on him being the perfectly sound organization that will give him an opportunity to thrive.
Chargers – Los Angeles may see Chubb as a player that still can be reverted back to his elite self.
Vikings – Minnesota could add Chubb as a goal line back and veteran to a rookie running back.

Dark Horse: Cowboys

Prediction: Chiefs

Kareem Hunt (KC)

Hunt remains a productive veteran who can contribute in a rotational role. While he’s not a full-time starter, he provides valuable depth and experience in any backfield.

2024 Stats:

Carries: 200 (23rd)
Yards: 728 (31st)
Touchdowns: 7
Yards per Carry: 3.6

Projected Contract: 1 year, $4 million

Top Landing Spots:

Chiefs – A return to Kansas City could be in the cards as Hunt was very solid in place of Isaiah Pacheco.
Cowboys – Dallas may look for a reliable veteran to complement their offense and pair with a rookie back.
Bears – Chicago could see Hunt as an affordable yet very reliable power back to combo with D’Andre Swift as Ben Johnson builds around Caleb Williams.

Dark Horse: Colts

Prediction: Cowboys