The 2025 NFL free-agent class has big names at the skill positions. Here is a look at the running backs available to move and the dynasty impact of their free-agent status.
Running backs have risen in import, especially this season. The success of older free agents and the position in general bode well for the 2025 free agent class. One additional note is the likely strong incoming rookie class (more than 2024) added to the positional depth and team optionality.
Tier 1
Aaron Jones' history of vibrant highs and missed games made him expendable by Green Bay. Minnesota will be an interesting case for Jones as Cam Akers is also a free agent. Najee Harris has shown a lack of ceiling thus far in his career and Pittsburgh is in a similar situation as Minnesota with both of their top running backs slated for free agency. J.K. Dobbins has revived his injury-marred career in 2024 and is slated as one of the more appealing free agents in a deep class. He is the youngest of the Tier 1 options. Nick Chubb has the most to gain or lose with how the rest of 2024 transpires. Chubb is understandably getting back up to speed following a significant knee injury last year. However, the optics have been that of an older running back attempting to find his mojo again. Without an uptick closer to vintage Nick Chubb in the closing weeks of the season, Chubb could easily be a Tier 2 option instead of Tier 1.
Tier 2
Tier 2 consists of quality depth with potential starting upside in a best case. Jaylen Warren is on the older side for a running back coming out of his rookie contract and 2024 has been marred by being in Najee Harris' shadow plus Warren's injury thus far. Jordan Mason auditioned as a starter for half of the season before Christian McCaffrey returned. Half of Mason's starts were borderline elite while the other half were baseline efforts. Rico Dowdle's season as the starter has been derailed by Dallas falling off the tracks and now losing Dak Prescott. Cam Akers could be an impact down the stretch run of the season if Aaron Jones misses time, entering a key free agent offseason himself. Javonte Williams has largely disappointed in his significant bounce-back attempts of late and could be considered Tier 3 by the NFL in free agency. Williams might have the biggest range of outcomes in free agency from a clear starting opportunity to being a clear backup of this list.
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