Sportsnaut
A year ago, the crop of running backs in NFL free agency left plenty to be desired. That’s not the case in 2026, with some of the most productive ball-carriers this season now among the best running backs available in NFL free agency. It all sets up to be a very active market, with several potentially headed for multi-year deals.
Let’s dive into our NFL free agency predictions for where the top running backs will land.
Bringing back J.K. Dobbins will certainly be an option for the Denver Broncos, as he fit nicely in Sean Payton’s system. While R.J. Harvey has been a productive pass-catcher (356 receiving yards), he ended the regular season averaging just a 3.7 yards-per-carry average, he ranked 65th in true yards per carry (3.4) and had just a 2.7 percent breakaway run rate. Meanwhile, Walker is coming off the second 1,000-yard season of his career, he averaged 4.6 ypc for the second time in his career and he led the NFL in juke rate (31.7 percent) while ranking sixth in evaded tackles (80) and recorded the third-most breakaway runs (18). Walker could thrive behind this Broncos offensive line next season.
Javonte Williams delivered a breakout season in 2025, proving his injuries were behind him and thriving in the Dallas Cowboys’ offense. The problem for him is that he is hitting the open market when several high-end starters are available and there is a premium offensive weapon, Jeremiyah Love, in the 2026 NFL Draft. Given all of that, a reunion would be in everyone’s best interest. Williams could likely land a two-year contract with Dallas worth in the ballpark of $8 million to $9 million per season.
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Considering that Breece Hall is expected to command upwards of $12 million per season on a multi-year deal, we don’t believe he’ll be in the price range Brett Veach is willing to pay. However, someone like Travis Etienne could be a slightly more cost-effective option for the Kansas City Chiefs. Ahead of his age-27 season, Etienne effectively has three seasons with 1,400-plus scrimmage yards and nine-plus total touchdowns but he was a bit inconsistent in 2025 (10 games under 4.0 ypc) and Jacksonville has running backs ready to replace him. Etienne would have an opportunity to be the primary running back in Andy Reid’s offense, while also function as a checkdown option for Patrick Mahomes in his first season back from an ACL tear. A fairly lucrative one-year contract helps the Chiefs offense and could position Etienne for another payday in 2027.
J.K. Dobbins is one of the best running backs in NFL free agency this offseason, but season-ending injuries have limited him to 32 games over the last five seasons. He will be 28 years old next season and is coming off...
