The Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry, Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, and now former Green Bay Packer Aaron Jones have somewhat flown under the radar during the initial wave of the NFL Free Agency.
With a massive influx of news with many NFL stars going through the moves, the running back market in particular has been extremely eventful from the jump. We saw D'Andre Swift sign with the Chicago Bears, Tony Pollard land with the Tennessee Titans, Josh Jacobs role with the Green Bay Packers, and last but definitely not least, Saquon Barkley flying with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Through all these signings of premier RBs we still have arguably a few of the best ones remaining on the market. Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, and now Aaron Jones join the second class of free agent running backs looking for a home. All three of these halfbacks might not be stuck in limbo for long based on how fast the NFL Free Agency market is moving for RBs.
Here are some running back needy teams from before NFL Free Agency and after they let their stars walk within the initial legal tampering period.
Who will Run the New York Giants Offense now?
The New York Giants just let their star running back in Saquon Barkley basically walk a short distance away to a NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants not only lost a top three RB in the league, but the engine to their offense. The other teams in the NFC East should stay alert as the Eagles shouldn't be the only ones loading up in the offseason again.
In losing Barkley as a by-product, the Giants at least gained a staple to their putrid offensive line by signing the Packers guard Jon Runyan; at least a starting point to rebuild some protection for their offense. The best running back to fit the Giants in this state would either be Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler. Both these backs are adept in pass protection and pass catching, which would be a two-for-one for the Giants as they have weakness in both O-line and WR play.
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Time for the Dallas Cowboys to Get Physical
Tony Pollard spent his career behind the stout Dallas Cowboy offensive line, and being an explosive runner (before his rough injury), playing very well as an elusive pass catching back who could even squeeze through small holes and pick up chunks of yards. But now is the time for Dallas to stop being a pushover in the playoffs and sign Derrick Henry.
The Cowboys have played with their fans emotions by one week being a Super Bowl contender and the next by getting embarrassed. Dak Prescott is definitely of the upper tier quarterbacks, but not elite by any means; meaning he can get you to the playoffs but just can't quite bring you to the next level.
This is where Derrick Henry comes in. Henry has proved he can carry a team, both figuratively and literally. Henry was the workhorse that got the Titans to the AFC Championship game in 2020, and quarterback Ryan Tannehill just had to manage the game accordingly to help them get there. Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys team is undoubtedly better than that Titans team, but that Titans team had Henry in the backfield; and if the Cowboys are wise they will go all in on the bulldozing star running back.
Houston Texans are Being too Patient, but it Might be Smart to Wait it Out
The Houston Texans are definitely a team that were in need of a running back as soon as the close of the 2023 season. Rookie quarterback sensation C.J. Stroud proved he could engine their offense on his own, but a little help from the run game would elevate his game even more.
The Texans would start games in 2023 trying to establish the run early, but would end up going nowhere. Their offensive line isn't great, but it isn't terrible either; therefore, an upper tier RB could definitely find some holes between them. Unfortunately, Devin Singletary and Dameon Pierce couldn't get it done. But you know who could? Either Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler.
Both backs are elusive, great pass catchers, and pass protectors. The Texans do like to send their backs out on pass plays, which both star backs are very accustomed to doing. Playing patiently in the opening of the NFL Free Agency may be the Texans' best option to get at a bargain price for the bargain position, as each of these running backs are not too far off from each other in skill.
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