While the upcoming draft for running backs isn’t very strong (on paper), the running back market has completely flipped around in some crazy ways. A random NFL fan could pick their top 10 running backs currently in the league, and odds are half of that list features running backs who changed teams.
Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard joined the Commanders and Titans respectively, but they aren’t even the most interesting running back changes that recently occurred. There are 5 more (at least) that have made an enormous impact on the immediate future of the NFL.
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5. Gus Edwards
Gus might not be as big a name as Ekeler, Pollard, or even David Montgomery. That’s because he’s played 3rd wheel behind Lamar Jackson and JK Dobbins the last few years. He was even a 3rd wheel for the historically great Lamar/Mark Ingram duo from 2019.
But Gus was there in 2019 and 2020 and played a part in two of the top 5 rushing offenses in NFL history. The Raven’s 2019 effort is still the most rushing yards ever put on a stat sheet, and Gus contributed 700 yards of his own.
Edwards has a career average of 5 yards per carry, which is insane. He’s benefited from having Greg Roman and a great offensive line, but he’ll have those two things in LA. This was a sneaky good move and one of the few things the Chargers have to look forward to this year.
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4. Josh Jacobs
Unfortunately, the acquisition of Jacobs couldn’t be much higher on this list, despite Jacobs being one of the best backs in the league over the past few years. The 3 running backs above him have more emotional weight to their signings. With that being said, the Packers also won free agency by bringing AJ Dillon back.
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3. Aaron Jones
Josh Jacobs probably will have a better NFL future than Aaron Jones. With that being said, Jones will succeed in some capacity in Minnesota, even if he won’t have as good of an offensive line.
Most importantly, the Vikings win for stealing one of their rival’s favorite players of all time. Maybe his status has dipped, but that’s a win for the Vikings.
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2. Saquon Barkley
Somehow, this hurts even harder than the Aaron Jones debacle. Despite the fan base being done with Barkley and barely seeing him to injury, Giants fans are devastated by the Eagles picking Barkley up.
Giants fans hate the Eagles with a roaring passion, and seeing Barkley run behind that elite offensive line alongside Jalen Hurts will forever burn.
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1. The NFL Should Fear A Derrick Henry And Lamar Jackson Backfield
This one might only work out on paper, but for now, it’s the best signing and it’s not close. Derrick ran for over a thousand yards behind arguably the worst line in the league, and with no running QB to take the pressure off. Lamar and Henry could go down as the most dangerous rushing duo the league has ever seen. Of course, it won’t matter if the team refuse to run the ball in the playoffs.
