2022 NFL Free Agents: Running Backs

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2022 NFL Free Agency: Star rating is out of five. Age listing as of Sept. 1, 2022.
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Leonard Fournette, RB, Buccaneers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Buccaneers (3 years, $21 million)

It was unclear if Leonard Fournette or Ronald Jones would handle the majority of the workload for the Buccaneers this year. Fournette won the job easily and finally lived up to his first-round expectations. Not only did he dominate as a runner; he became a huge part of the passing game, catching 69 balls.
Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Seahawks (1 year, $5.75 million)

Rashaad Penny was considered a colossal first-round bust until late in 2021 when he had a dominant series of games. Penny credited Adrian Peterson for helping develop him, so this was likely not a fluke.
Melvin Gordon, RB, Broncos. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Broncos

Javonte Williams’ fantasy owners will argue that Melvin Gordon just got in the way, but Gordon was an explosive runner for the Broncos this past season.
James Conner, RB, Cardinals. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Cardinals

James Conner proved that his struggles in Pittsburgh had to do with the poor offensive line. He did well in his first season in Arizona, rushing for 752 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns.
Chase Edmonds, RB, Cardinals. Age: 26.
Signed with Dolphins

Chase Edmonds is an excellent receiver out of the backfield who can handle a substantial workload. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry last yar and caught 43 passes despite missing five games.
Sony Michel, RB, Dolphins. Age: 27.
Signed with Chargers

Sony Michel finally met first-round expectations last year, usurping the job from Darrell Henderson before Cam Akers returned. Michel dashed for 845 yards and caught 21 passes.
Cordarrelle Patterson, RB/WR, Falcons. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Falcons

Cordarrelle Patterson has made the full transition to running back. He did very well this past season, making some big plays. His age (31) is a concern, however, and it’s worth noting that he did less as the 2021 season progressed.
Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers. Age: 30.
Signed with Dolphins

Raheem Mostert would have a much better ranking if he could stay healthy. Unfortunately, Mostert is always hurt. He has missed 31 games in the past four years. Now 30, Mostert is unlikely to have improved luck in this regard.
James White, RB, Patriots. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Patriots (2 years, $5 million)

James White is one of the top pass-catching backs in the NFL, but he barely played last year. He also turns 30 this offseason.
J.D. McKissic, RB, Redskins. Age: 29.
Signed with Redskins (2 years, $7 million)

J.D. McKissic is an excellent pass-catching, third-down back, but cannot handle a full workload of any sort.
Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Chiefs

I didn’t think I’d be ranking Jerick McKinnon this high after the regular season, but he was amazing in the playoff win against Pittsburgh. He was great as both a runner and a receiver, and his pass-protection ability is superb.
Justin Jackson, RB, Chargers. Age: 26.
Justin Jackson looked terrific in his one start against the Texans this past season. He made the argument that he deserves more touches.
Darrel Williams, RB, Chiefs. Age: 27.
Darrel Williams was more impressive as a runner and a receiver compared to Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He rushed for 558 yards, caught 47 passes and scored eight total touchdowns.
Giovani Bernard, RB, Buccaneers. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Buccaneers (1 year)

Giovani Bernard was expected to handle more of a receiving workload this past season, but Leonard Fournette took that job instead. Bernard could still be a great third-down back for some team.
Phillip Lindsay, RB, Colts. Age: 28.
Phillip Lindsay has regressed in each of his NFL seasons. It’s puzzling why he has gotten worse every year, but perhaps he’ll rebound somewhere in 2022.
Jordan Howard, RB, Eagles. Age: 27.
Jordan Howard still showed an ability to run well last year, gaining 406 yards on 4.7 yards per carry.
Damien Williams, RB, Bears. Age: 30. — Signed with Falcons
Devonta Freeman, RB, Ravens. Age: 30.
Latavius Murray, RB, Ravens. Age: 32.
Ronald Jones, RB, Buccaneers. Age: 25. — Signed with Chiefs (1 year, $5 million)
Mike Davis, RB, Falcons. Age: 29. — Signed with Ravens
Boston Scott, RB, Eagles. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Eagles
Marlon Mack, RB, Texans. Age: 26.
Duke Johnson, RB, Bills. Age: 28.
Carlos Hyde, RB, Jaguars. Age: 31.
Tarik Cohen, RB, Bears. Age: 27.
Brandon Bolden, RB, Patriots. Age: 32. — Signed with Raiders
Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, 49ers. Age: 26. — Re-signed with 49ers
David Johnson, RB, Texans. Age: 30.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Panthers. Age: 29. — Signed with Raiders
Royce Freeman, RB, Texans. Age: 26.
Alex Collins, RB, Seahawks. Age: 28.
Ty Montgomery, RB/WR, Saints. Age: 29. — Signed with Patriots (2 years, $4 million)
Tevin Coleman, RB, Jets. Age: 29.
Malcolm Brown, RB, Saints. Age: 29.
Peyton Barber, RB, Raiders. Age: 28.
Dare Ogunbowale, RB, Jaguars. Age: 28. — Signed with Texans
Jonathan Williams, RB, Redskins. Age: 28.
Wayne Gallman, RB, Vikings. Age: 27.
Matt Breida, RB, Bills. Age: 27. — Signed with Giants
Kalen Ballage, RB, Steelers. Age: 26.
Corey Clement, RB, Ravens. Age: 27.
Jalen Richard, RB, Raiders. Age: 28.
Trenton Cannon, RB, 49ers. Age: 27. — Signed with Titans
Dwayne Washington, RB, Saints. Age: 28.
Taiwan Jones, RB, Bills. Age: 34. — Re-signed with Bills