NFL free agency 2026 player rankings: Best running backs available

The Super Bowl is almost here, which means the start of NFL free agency for the 2026 season is close at hand. Teams are hard at work building out their plans for their own players, while keeping a close eye on the available free agents heading into the 2026 offseason. Today we’re going to take a look at the projected free agent running backs in the 2026 class, as I give my best guess at how these players are likely to be ranked by NFL teams.

This is a very strong group at first glance–though like all free agency projections, it depends on how many of these players are ultimately re-signed by their original teams. There are a number of lead backs available and even some top-end talent, along with some high-end committee backs and players with upside. Let’s take a closer look at the top running backs available in 2026 free agency.

1.) Breece Hall, New York Jets

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 243 attempts for 1065 yards (4.4 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 350 yards (9.7 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

Breece Hall has been talked about as an up-and-coming breakout star for years. Now with the potential to be freed from the shackles of perpetually anemic Jets offenses, Hall could have a massive second act. He’s a dangerous rushing and receiving threat who can operate as the bell cow for an offense. We’ll see how highly the NFL views him, but I’d expect Hall to command the largest salary of any upcoming free agent running back.

2.) Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys

2025 Stats: 16 games played, 252 attempts for 1201 yards (4.8 YPC), 11 rushing TDs, 35 receptions for 137 yards (3.9 YPR), 2 receiving TDs, 2 fumbles

Javonte Williams was a favorite of mine back in the 2021 NFL Draft, starting strong with the Broncos before injuries threatened to completely derail his career. He simply didn’t look the same over the remaining years of his rookie contract, leading to him to take a prove-it deal with the Cowboys last offseason. The rest is history, as Williams bounced back in a big way as one of the biggest free agent success stories of 2025. Just 26 years old heading into 2026, Williams has an opportunity to cash in.

3.) Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars

2025 Stats: 17 games played, 260 attempts for 1107 yards (4.3 YPC), 7 rushing TDs, 36 receptions for 292 yards (8.1 YPR), 6 receiving TDs, 1 fumble

Travis Etienne has been a good, not great, running back starter throughout his rookie contract with the Jaguars. His consistency and ability in the red zone as both a runner and receiver really peaked in 2025, with Etienne showing he can definitely be a focal point running back for a team. It’ll be interesting to see if the Jaguars prioritize re-signing Etienne, or if he’s allowed to test the free agent market this offseason.

4.) Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers

2025 Stats: 17 games played, 236 attempts for 1076 yards (4.6 YPC), 6 rushing TDs, 39 receptions for 297 yards (7.6 YPR), 1 receiving TD, 2 fumbles

Another post-rookie contract success story, Rico Dowdle burst onto the scene with the Cowboys in 2024 by notching his first 1000-yard rushing season. Dallas strangely decided to let him walk in favor of Javonte Williams (a risky maneuver which ultimately paid off), with Dowdle heading to the Panthers to join a timeshare with Chuba Hubbard. Dowdle had a terrific October, including a 203-yard rushing game against the Dolphins, but struggled with consistency all season. It’ll be fascinating to see how the NFL values him this offseason after a poor finish to 2025.

5.) Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

2025 Stats: 17 games played, 221 attempts for 1027 yards (4.6 YPC), 5 rushing TDs, 31 receptions for 282 yards (9.1 YPR), 1 fumble

Kenneth Walker finally managed to play a full season in the NFL, and with Zach Charbonnet’s season-ending injury in the playoffs, is likely to be a critical component in Seattle’s potential Super Bowl victory. Walker has always been an electric but inconsistent rusher with flashes of greatness in the passing game. His inability to stay on the field likely keeps him from getting the bell-cow treatment, but his style of play makes him a tantalizing big play addition to any offense.

6.) Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons

2025 Stats: 17 games played, 143 attempts for 514 yards (3.6 YPC), 8 rushing TDs, 14 receptions for 96 yards (6.9 YPR)

Cursed to be stuck behind arguably the best running back in the NFL in Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier never got a second chance to be a lead back in Atlanta after an outstanding 1000-yard rushing season as a rookie in 2022. Allgeier has since developed into a red-zone specialist, notching eight rushing touchdowns in 2025 on just 143 carries. His role as a short-yardage bruiser and late-game closer hurt his efficiency, but Allgeier still has the talent to lead a backfield. Also noteworthy: zero fumbles in four seasons in the NFL.

7.) Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2025 Stats: 17 games played, 132 attempts for 572 yards (4.3 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 40 receptions for 218 yards (5.5 YPR)

This is the line for “potential starters” in this running back class. One of the more consistently solid runners in the NFL, Rachaad White never really took the next step with the Bucs and has been largely outshined by Bucky Irving over the past two seasons. He’s still an effective rusher and receiver who can be an important part of a committee, but White lacks the top-end flashes to demand an NFL starting job. He did cut down on the fumbles significantly this year, with none in 2025 after notching 9 over the previous three seasons.

8.) J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos

2025 Stats: 10 games played, 153 attempts for 772 yards (5.0 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 11 receptions for 37 yards (3.4 YPR)

It’s truly sad that we may never get to see a fully healthy season from J.K. Dobbins, who has dealt with significant injuries in every single season as a pro. Outside of those injuries, it’s clear that Dobbins is one of the better pure runners in the NFL. He was on pace to put up his best season yet with the Broncos in 2025 before another injury cut his season short. Dobbins can’t be trusted to play 17 games, capping his ceiling as the primary runner in a committee, but he’s been very impactful when healthy.

9.) Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers

2025 Stats: 17 games played, 114 attempts for 537 yards (4.7 YPC), 5 rushing TDs, 73 receptions for 486 yards (6.7 YPR), 3 receiving TDs, 2 fumbles

Kenneth Gainwell enjoyed a breakout season with the Steelers in 2025, taking over the backfield at times during the season alongside his typical contributions in the receiving game. Gainwell is still inconsistent and is a bit of a boom or bust runner, but he’s one of the more proven committee backs in this free agency class.

10.) Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs

2025 Stats: 13 games played, 118 attempts for 462 yards (3.9 YPC), 1 rushing TD, 19 receptions for 101 yards (5.3 YPR), 1 receiving TD

Another running back whose career has been derailed by injuries, Isiah Pacheco simply appears to have lost some juice compared to his electric first two years in the NFL. He’s still an effective runner and can be a significant contributor in a committee, but injuries and inconsistency keep him from finishing higher on this list.