#running-backs
#running-backs

Running backs cash in big again with NFL free agency frenzy

Running backs saw increased movement and lucrative contracts in NFL free agency.

Saquon Barkley and D'Andre Swift secured significant deals, reshuffling the running back landscape. [ more ]

New York Post

Top running backs D'Andre Swift, Tony Pollard sign early in NFL free agency

Swift signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Bears, while Pollard agreed to a similar deal with the Titans.

The contracts signed by Swift and Pollard set a strong precedent for other free-agent running backs like Barkley and Henry. [ more ]

New York Post

'Serious' suitors emerge for Giants' Saquon Barkley ahead of NFL free agency

Chargers, Ravens, and Bears are interested in signing Saquon Barkley.

Barkley's expected deal is around $10 million per year with a run-first scheme likely awaiting him. [ more ]

New York Post

It's a bad time for Saquon Barkley to run into free agency

Running backs face tough financial landscape in free agency.

Saquon Barkley set to enter open market after Giants opt not to franchise-tag him. [ more ]

New York Post

Giants not placing franchise tag on Saquon Barkley in potential end of an era

The Giants will not franchise tag Saquon Barkley

Barkley may still negotiate with the Giants after exploring free agency [ more ]

morefree-agency

mattbarrows 3 days ago

Deep dive on the #49ers’ undrafted haul:
- RB already well-versed in zone blocking scheme
- DT who’s hard to budge
- Two Cs, one with tackle-like arm length
- Why SF was swayed by T.O.’s son
- A 6-6 tight end who’s on the rise
$1.99/mo deal in effect
https://t.co/2HlHE2xFRd

The Athletic

4 days ago

LombardiHimself 3 days ago

Ranking the 49ers' undrafted rookies, who are led by hard-charging Cody Schrader

The San Francisco 49ers plan to sign eight undrafted free agents, including the SEC's 2023 rushing champion, highlighting the importance of scouting and player development. [ more ]

RT @mattbarrows: Ranking the 49ers’ undrafted rookies, who are led by hard-charging Cody Schrader https://t.co/hmudT0irxy

The Athletic

4 days ago

Ranking the 49ers' undrafted rookies, who are led by hard-charging Cody Schrader

Bobby Turner's ability to find undrafted gems [ more ]

49erswebzone 1 week ago

From yesterday:
Top #49ers Offensive Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft

via @TheWayneBreezie | #FTTB

https://t.co/J3J4OICLUV .

49ers Webzone

Top 49ers Offensive Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft

Top NFL Draft offensive prospects highlighted with strengths and draft grades for key positions. [ more ]

NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Where Gore Jr. ranks his father among top five NFL RBs of all time

Frank Gore Jr. considers his father, Frank Gore, as the top running back, showing admiration and respect for his legendary dad. [ more ]

NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Former 49ers third-round pick Davis-Price signs Eagles contract

Investments in third-round running backs didn't yield success for the 49ers.

Elijah Mitchell has been the most successful running back draft pick for the 49ers. [ more ]

moreSan Francisco 49ers

ezekiel-elliott

ESPN.com

5 days ago

Sources: Elliott expected to return to Cowboys

Ezekiel Elliott expected to sign one-year deal with Dallas Cowboys, reuniting with the team. [ more ]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Cowboys Draft Day 3 analysis: Should Ezekiel Elliott be considered part of Cowboys final haul?

Cowboys aim to reinforce running back room post free agency and draft, potentially incorporating Ezekiel Elliott. [ more ]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Jerry Jones gets real about RB Ezekiel Elliott and Cowboys' interest in Jonathon Brooks

Cowboys open to Ezekiel Elliott return, drafting a running back won't impact decision. [ more ]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Cowboys meet with Ezekiel Elliott a day before the draft. Is a return to Dallas likely?

Ezekiel Elliott meeting with the Dallas Cowboys was a preliminary discussion, indicating the potential for a return is uncertain. [ more ]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

2 weeks ago

Dallas Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman, so don't expect Ezekiel Elliott to return

The Dallas Cowboys signed running back Royce Freeman to bolster their roster before the 2024 NFL Draft. [ more ]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

An Ezekiel Elliott return? Or draft pick? Cowboys mull their running back choices

Ezekiel Elliott and Dallas Cowboys have mutual interest for a return in 2024, but no immediate action.

Cowboys exploring options for running back replacements through pre-draft visits and confident in finding a suitable player in the upcoming NFL Draft. [ more ]

moreezekiel-elliott

Steelers Depot

Running

Kevin Colbert On Why RBs Are Devalued (And Why He Thinks They Still Matter)

Running back positions are undervalued in the NFL, with a decline in first-round draft picks over the years. [ more ]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

2 weeks ago

What does Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith think the franchise needs to get back to the Super Bowl?

Emmitt Smith emphasizes the need for a realignment of vision and expectations to bring the Dallas Cowboys back to success. [ more ]

ESPN.com

Rico Dowdle? Ezekiel Elliott? A rookie? Who might lead the Cowboys' backfield in 2024?

The Dallas Cowboys are facing significant changes in their running back roster after losing Tony Pollard to the Titans.

The Cowboys are opting for a different strategy by not investing heavily in top running back contracts. [ more ]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Dallas Cowboys running back room is no longer empty as a free agent is returning to team

The Dallas Cowboys re-signed Rico Dowdle to overhaul the running back position.

The Cowboys are looking to go cheaper at the running back position in 2024. [ more ]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Dallas Cowboys won't place franchise tag on RB Tony Pollard, but do they want him back?

The Cowboys want Pollard back at a cheaper price in 2024.

Despite a decline in performance in 2023, the team believes Pollard will improve in 2024. [ more ]

Steelers Depot

2 weeks ago

With Another 1,000 Yard Season, Najee Harris Will Join Exclusive Company

Najee Harris aims to be the 13th NFL running back to rush for 1,000+ yards in each of his first four seasons. [ more ]

Behind the Steel Curtain

4 weeks ago

Steelers release RB Alfonzo Graham

Alfonzo Graham, an undrafted rookie, was waived by the Steelers after a season on injured reserve.

Steelers now have 73 players on the roster, with notable running backs like Najee Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson. [ more ]

Steelers Depot

'Those Three S.O.B.s Are Gonna Truck Everything In The World': Steelers' Angry Backfield Gets Even Angrier

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a formidable running back room filled with angry runners.

Cordarrelle Patterson's signing adds to the physical dimension the Steelers are aiming for, despite his primary role of a kick returner. [ more ]

Steelers Depot

London politics

Omar Khan Identifies Strongest Position Groups Of 2024 Draft

Omar Khan praises Steelers' draft classes

Strengths in running backs and inside linebackers [ more ]

Steelers Wire

Steelers insider predicts no contract extension for RB Najee Harris

Running backs face challenges with second contracts in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers may opt for Najee Harris's fifth-year option but not extend his contract. [ more ]

Steelers Wire

Steelers 2024 offseason roster - Running back

Late-season rushing surge key for Steelers

Team likely to add running backs in offseason [ more ]

Steelers Depot

3 weeks ago

2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Pre-Draft Movements - Running Back

Steelers running back roster overview before the draft. [ more ]

Steelers Depot

3 weeks ago

2024 Draft RB Prospects: Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) - Combine Edition

Six RBs qualified for a RAS above nine, indicating elite athletic performance.

Key players like Isaac Guerendo, Jaylen Wright, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. showcase elite attributes in speed, explosion, and agility. [ more ]

Steelers Depot

'Anyone's Guess' How Arthur Smith Will Divide Steelers Carries, Analyst Says

Arthur Smith uses multiple running backs effectively

Steelers' running back situation up for grabs under Arthur Smith [ more ]

Pats Pulpit

3 weeks ago

11 running back targets for the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft

Running back spot on New England Patriots shows relative functionality with quality starters but room for upgrades. [ more ]

Pats Pulpit

New England Patriots links 3/18/24 - Patriots free agency: Bring on the second wave

The 2021 NFL quarterback first round is considered a disaster.

Running backs remain valued despite NFL's stance. [ more ]

Pats Pulpit

Instant grade for the Patriots signing RB Antonio Gibson in free agency

Antonio Gibson signed with the New England Patriots on a three-year contract worth $11.3 million.

Gibson is seen as a valuable addition to the Patriots' backfield, providing a complementary skill set to fellow running back Rhamondre Stevenson. [ more ]

Pats Pulpit

New England Patriots links 2/07/24 - Offensive depth-chart snapshot: Pats need a run on RBs

The Patriots are looking to add more running back depth this offseason as they have no running backs signed beyond 2024.

The Patriots could potentially trade down with the Raiders for the No. 3 pick in the draft. [ more ]

Pats Pulpit

4 months ago

Patriots defense 'excited about the challenge' of facing Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren

The New England Patriots have one of the best defenses in the league, particularly in stopping the run.

The Patriots' run defense will be tested by the Pittsburgh Steelers' potent pair of running backs. [ more ]

Pats Pulpit

5 months ago

New England Patriots links 11/21/23 - Running backs bloom into bright spot on offense

Running backs have been performing well recently.

Bill O'Brien's press conference raised questions about the Patriots' quarterback situation.

There is anticipation and excitement leading into the Week 12 matchup with the Giants. [ more ]

NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Ex-Packers RB Taylor, 49ers agree to one-year deal, per agent

The San Francisco 49ers signed running back Patrick Taylor Jr. to a one-year contract to add depth to their running back room.

Taylor played for the Green Bay Packers and is set to compete for a roster spot with the 49ers, joining a group that includes Christian McCaffrey and others. [ more ]

ESPN.com

National Football League

Source: RB Edwards to get 2-year deal with Bolts

Gus Edwards signs a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Edwards reunites with Greg Roman and transitions from John Harbaugh to Jim Harbaugh as his coach. [ more ]

Bleacher Report

NFL Exec: Giants' Singletary Will 'Produce as Much' as Saquon Barkley at Cheaper Rate

Devin Singletary could potentially replace Saquon Barkley at a fraction of the cost for the New York Giants.

Singletary has been more durable than Barkley in recent years, providing consistent production. [ more ]

New York Post

Why 'contact balance' could be crucial to understanding the Giants' Saquon Barkley-Devin Singletary switch

Devin Singletary was drafted later and has not reached the same level of performance as Saquon Barkley.

Saquon Barkley is expected to perform well with the Eagles' offensive line if he stays healthy. [ more ]

Bleacher Report

NFL Rumors: Insiders Feel Saquon Barkley Has Best Chance of RBs to Get $10M+ Contract

Saquon Barkley is likely to earn a double-digit average annual value on his next contract.

There is a crowded positional market for running backs in the 2024 free agency class. [ more ]

New York Post

Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry head star-studded NFL free-agency class that will answer major question

The true worth of running backs in the NFL will be determined during this year's free-agency period.

Teams may opt for cost-efficient lower-tier options over high-priced star running backs. [ more ]

New York Post

Giants, Saquon Barkley face moment of truth - here's the deal they should make

Barkley's potential contract: Three years, $33 million with $24 million guaranteed.

Comparing Barkley's stats and market value to other running backs like Aaron Jones. [ more ]

Bleacher Report

Schefter: Cowboys, Eagles Could Explore Saquon Barkley Contract as Giants Decline Tag

The New York Giants will not use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley, making him a free agent.

Barkley's future may involve staying in the NFC East or exploring other teams in free agency. [ more ]

Pats Pulpit

5 running backs the Patriots could target in free agency

The Patriots may seek running back options in free agency to replace Ezekiel Elliot.

Options include Saquon Barkley, Antonio Gibson, D'Andre Swift, Tony Pollard, and potentially bringing back Damien Harris. [ more ]

New York Post

3 months ago

Why Saquon Barkley may need to follow in Christian McCaffrey's footsteps to reach his running back ceiling

Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey are both elite running backs but McCaffrey has had more success due to a better supporting cast.

McCaffrey has exceeded expectations while Barkley has been burdened by unreachable expectations. [ more ]

New York Post

3 months ago