While many National Football League (NFL) backfields already seem to be set, there are still plenty of free agents who could enter and alter the depth chart. Here are the four free-agent running backs that could be important factors to offensive systems this season and some potential landing spots for them:
Dalvin Cook
Cook is a four-time Pro Bowler who headed the Minnesota Vikings backfield for six seasons. Even though the likelihood that he has as dominant a role in a backfield as he did previously lowers with every passing day, Cook is still a top-tier back in the NFL and should be more than desired by teams with uncertain running back situations.
Potential Landing Spots: Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
Leonard Fournette
After being a large contributor to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV run, Fournette saw a decrease in usage and production last year. Rachaad White was more impressive, to put it frankly, and now he is the starter for Tampa Bay’s new offense while Fournette walks. However, as a tough runner that can also have a large role in the passing game, Fournette is still someone who would be valuable in many running back rooms.
Potential Landing Spots: Bills, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers
Ezekiel Elliott
Elliott, who is leaving the Dallas Cowboys after Tony Pollard all but took over his starting role, will likely enter a new situation this season as the short-yardage running back. He is not on the level he was in his first years in Dallas, but Zeke would still be a reliable runner for a team looking to add a bruiser to their committee.
Potential Landing Spots: Vikings, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars
Kareem Hunt
Hunt, like the other backs on this list, is not the same player he used to be. Yet, he has been a very helpful backup for Nick Chubb in the Cleveland Browns offense the past couple of years, as they created arguably the scariest one-two punch for NFL defenses. Hunt can be another dual-threat option in the backfield for whatever team he competes for this season.
Potential Landing Spots: Los Angeles Rams, Vikings, Cowboys
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