Unlike last year, it appears that several NFL teams will not use their franchise tag to retain the services of a running back.
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That means several star players at the position will be completely free come March 13, when the free agent market opens on the Goodell circuit.
Here are the five running backs who will be most prominent:
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Saquon Barkley
After six seasons, two of which were marred by injuries, and complex contract negotiations last year, Barkley could leave the New York Giants. The Big Apple Club selected him with the second overall pick in the 2018 auction. The 27-year-old athlete posted three seasons of receiving more than 1,000 yards and also earned two Pro Bowl invitations. Last year, he ranked seventh among running backs in yards gained per game (68.7) despite playing behind a porous offensive line.
Statistics in 2023:
247 carries, 962 yards, 4 touchdowns
41 catches, 280 yards, 4 touchdowns
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Derrick Henry
At 30 years old, Henry appears to want a fresh start after playing eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He will enter the free agent market with a full resume. The veteran twice finished at the top of the league's running backs in yards accumulated and touchdowns scored (2019 and 2020). Last season, he ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,167) and seventh in rushing yards (12).
Statistics in 2023:
280 carries, 1,167 yards, 12 touchdowns
28 catches, 214 yards, 0 touchdowns
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Josh Jacobs
In 2022, the Las Vegas Raiders football player led the NFL in rushing and passing yards (2,053). However, he was unable to take advantage of the opportunity to sign a long and lucrative contract as the Raiders tagged him as a franchise player for the 2023 season. Jacobs had a much less productive season, but he accumulated at least 1,100 yards for a fifth straight year.
Statistics in 2023:
233 carries, 805 yards, 6 touchdowns
37 catches, 296 yards, 0 touchdowns
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Tony Pollard
As was the case with Jacobs, Pollard had a less productive 2023 season than the previous one. The Dallas Cowboys player led the NFL in average yards per carry (5.9) in 2022. Last year, his average was 4.3 yards per carry, which was 27th overall. The 34 running backs who ran with the ball in their hands at least 200 times.
Statistics in 2023:
252 carries, 1005 yards, 6 touchdowns
55 catches, 311 yards, 0 touchdowns
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Austin Ekeler
This time last year, Ekeler was very vocal about the fact that running backs weren't getting the compensation they deserved. He completed his four-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. However, Ekeler had one of his worst career seasons in the NFL, which could have a big impact on his next contract.
Statistics in 2023:
179 carries, 628 yards, 5 touchdowns
51 catches, 436 yards, 1 touchdown