In the modern NFL, where quarterbacks and wide receivers reign supreme, running backs have faded from the spotlight in recent years.
While you can debate the “value” of running backs all day long, the NFL tells us exactly how they view the position based on the contracts they hand out. As of now, the league’s highest-paid running back, Christian McCaffrey ($19 million average annual value), makes less money than Amari Cooper ($20 million AAV), the 21st-highest-paid receiver in the league.
Running backs across the league have clearly taken this to heart and have made it a point to prove their worth this season. These efforts have been spearheaded by the 2024 free agent class, who have made up some of the league’s most productive rushers this season. Four of the league’s top-10 rushers were running backs who found new homes in 2024, and all four are the featured back on playoff teams.
Two of the most marquee signings at running back this offseason, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, are set to square off in the wild-card round as the Eagles will host the Packers on Sunday afternoon. As these two prepare to go head to head this weekend, let’s take a look back at the success of the most recent free agent class.
NFL free agent RB signings in 2024
| Top Free Agent RBs on Playoff Teams | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Former Team | Current Team | Contract Details |
| Saquon Barkley | New York Giants | Philadelphia Eagles | 3 years, $37.75 million |
| Josh Jacobs | Las Vegas Raiders | Green Bay Packers | 4 years, $48 million |
| Derrick Henry | Tennessee Titans | Baltimore Ravens | 2 years, $16 million |
| Aaron Jones | Green Bay Packers | Minnesota Vikings | 1 year, $7 million |
| J.K. Dobbins | Baltimore Ravens | Los Angeles Chargers | 1 year, $1.61 million |
| Austin Ekeler | Los Angeles Chargers | Washington Commanders | 2 years, $8.43 million |
Saquon Barkley: Philadelphia Eagles
Down the stretch this season, there were few bigger storylines than Barkley’s quest to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. He was benched in Week 18 and fell just short, but it was an impressive season nonetheless.
