NFL free agency is underway, and it’s been one of the busiest for the running back position in recent memory.
Several key names at the position such as Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs hit free agency, and they were able to get multi-year contracts despite the recent trend of lead running backs not getting paid.
While none of these guys got the money of a franchise quarterback or a No. 1 wide receiver, more teams were willing to pay up for running backs this offseason with so much talent available.
I've broken down the impact of these key running backs changing teams and their individual fantasy football values moving forward:
Saquon Barkley: Signed with Philadelphia Eagles (three years, $37.75 million)
Barkley stays in the NFC East, but he’ll be playing for someone other than the New York Giants for the first time in his career. The Barkley revenge tour will likely be fun to watch, as he’ll be running behind one of the NFL’s elite offensive lines in an Eagles offense that should be more consistent this season with new offensive coordinator Kelen Moore. Barkley will be the workhorse in Philadelphia and remains a first round pick in fantasy football drafts even though Jalen Hurts will likely steal some goal line looks.
Josh Jacobs: Signed with Green Bay Packers (four years, $48 million)
The Packers surprisingly signed Jacobs and moved on from Aaron Jones shortly after, but it’s clear that this is a strong landing spot for the former Las Vegas Raider. The Packers have had a strong running game since Matt LaFleur took over as head coach, and it should be even better this season with Jacobs leading the way, and his contract is front-loaded to where he’ll need to perform well if he wants to stay in Green Bay long-term. Jacobs makes for a solid second round fantasy pick with first round upside in an ascending offense.
Derrick Henry: Signed with Baltimore Ravens (two years, $16 million)
Henry goes to a Super Bowl contender after spending his entire career with the Tennessee Titans, and he picked an ideal landing spot considering the Ravens are a run-heavy offense that desperately needed a workhorse running back. Henry should be a massive upgrade over J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards and have at least one more 1,000-yard season in the tank to where he makes for a solid pick in the fourth round of fantasy drafts.
Joe Mixon: Acquired by Houston Texans from Cincinnati Bengals for undisclosed draft pick
Mixon appeared set to hit free agency after it was reported that the Bengals were releasing him after signing Zack Moss, but the Texans ended up acquiring him to be their new lead running back after losing Devin Singletary. Mixon’s efficiency has declined recently, but he should still be able to put together a productive season in a surging Texans offense and makes for a solid RB2 in the fourth round of fantasy drafts.
Austin Ekeler: Signed with Washington Commanders (two years, $11.4 million)
Ekeler was hoping for a better contract, but he’s coming off a down season and will look to bounce back in a new-look Commanders offense. There are workload concerns with Brian Robinson the Commanders early down runner, but Ekeler should see enough work in the passing game to remain relevant in PPR leagues and makes for a solid midround pick in fantasy drafts.
Aaron Jones: Signed with Minnesota Vikings (one year, $7 million)
Jones lands on his feet with the Vikings after spending his entire career with the Packers, with the Vikings being a solid landing spot since they’ve been needing a true Dalvin Cook replacement. The veteran Jones should be able to be productive as their lead runner and makes for sneaky midround fantasy pick despite injury concerns.
OTHER KEY RB SIGNINGS
D’Andre Swift: Signed with Chicago Bears (three years, $24 million)
Tony Pollard: Signed with Tennessee Titans (three years, $24 million)
Devin Singletary: Signed with New York Giants (three years, $16.5 million)
Antonio Gibson: Signed with New England Patriots (three years, 11.25 million)
Zack Moss: Signed with Cincinnati Bengals (two years, $8 million)
Gus Edwards: Signed with Los Angeles Chargers (two years, $6.5 million)