The upcoming NFL offseason is set to witness a star-studded running back market, with notable players such as Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Tony Pollard expected to become free agents. According to sources, the Las Vegas Raiders will make an effort to re-sign Jacobs, but they are unlikely to use the franchise tag on him due to its hefty cost of $14,149,200. Similarly, the New York Giants will engage in discussions with Barkley but are also unlikely to tag him for $12,109,200.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are not expected to utilize the franchise tag on Pollard, according to ESPN sources. This news comes as the Tennessee Titans have decided not to tag veteran standout Derrick Henry, and the Los Angeles Chargers are also allowing Austin Ekeler to explore free agency.
The list of running backs set to hit free agency next month goes beyond these star players and includes D’Andre Swift, AJ Dillon, Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Ezekiel Elliott, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. This abundance of talent sets the stage for an offseason that stands in stark contrast to the previous year when Jacobs, Barkley, and Pollard were all tagged.
The absence of franchise tags for running backs this year makes this free agency class one of the finest and deepest in history. While this bodes well for teams seeking running back talent, it may not be as favorable for the players themselves. The principle of supply and demand comes into play, and with an unprecedented supply of running backs available, it could potentially keep prices down in free agency. However, it is worth noting that top-tier stars still have the potential to secure lucrative contracts.
In a surprising announcement, the NFL revealed that the salary cap for the 2024 season will be a record-breaking $255.4 million per team. This represents a significant increase of 13.6% compared to the previous year’s cap. The substantial rise in the salary cap provides teams with more financial flexibility to pursue talented running backs in free agency.
The running back market has been a challenging one in recent years, with few players securing long-term contracts worth at least $10 million per year. Jonathan Taylor broke this trend last October when he signed a three-year, $42 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts. However, it remains to be seen if any of the upcoming free agent running backs can command contracts similar to their franchise tag numbers.
Jacobs, for instance, has a higher franchise tag value due to additional guaranteed money included in his adjusted deal last summer. On the other hand, Barkley had incentives added to his contract but failed to meet them. These factors may impact their negotiations and potential paydays in free agency.
As the offseason approaches, teams will have a wealth of running back options to choose from, creating an exciting and competitive market. The abundance of talent available, coupled with the increased salary cap, promises an offseason filled with intriguing storylines and potential blockbuster deals. Only time will tell which teams will secure the services of these star running backs and how their careers will unfold in the coming seasons.
