There has never been a deeper free agent class of talented running backs like the group set to hit the open market in 2024.
Of course, there’s a reason for that.
The devaluation of the running back position based on value on the field and the dollar amount owed has been a startling trend in recent years. Never before has a group of players at the top of their position all hit free agency at the same time, with the questions surrounding them being whether teams should pay them quality money or let their contract value diminish further.
For a team like the Philadelphia Eagles, finding the right kind of value at the running back position is easy. Behind an offensive line that could send two to the Hall of Fame and multiple others to the Pro Bowl, they managed to help quality runners like Swift and Miles Sanders run for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back years.
What is the likelihood that the Eagles sign one of the top free agent runners this offseason? Today, we’ll go through each one and provide a final prediction on who the organization will target this offseason.
Top Free Agent Running Backs the Eagles Could Target
Derrick Henry
Henry and Philadelphia have been tied together in recent years due to the former 2,000-yard rusher’s style and the fact that the Eagles’ offensive line is arguably the best group in football. While a deal would be enticing, the former Titan will need to lower his asking price significantly for general manager Howie Roseman to even consider this.
Chance Eagles Sign Him: Medium
Saquon Barkley
Barkley has all the makings of an excellent runner but hasn’t been able to pull it all together for a full 17-game season. There’s a reason the New York Giants won’t give him a long-term deal outside of the position argument. It’s unlikely Barkley will lower his request for a new deal to Philadelphia’s liking.
Chance Eagles Sign Him: Low
Josh Jacobs
If the money works, Jacobs is probably the best running back in the free agent class, and any team will get better with his acquisition. A player of his stature, though, could easily command top dollar. A desperate team is probably going to pay Jacobs, but it won’t be Philly.
Chance Eagles Sign Him: Low
Austin Ekeler
With former Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore now in Philadelphia, the idea of pairing him with his former running back is an interesting one for the Eagles.
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Ekeler is 28 years old and probably in his last few years in the league. This could be a bargain for Roseman if he’s interested.
Chance Eagles Sign Him: Medium
D’Andre Swift
A lot of Eagles fans want Swift to return to Philly after a 1,000-yard season. The likelihood of that happening is slim, though, as long as Swift is looking for a long-term deal. There are better backs that fit the offensive system better than the Philly native (another reason why this won’t be an easy decision).
Chance Eagles Sign Him: Medium
Tony Pollard
The Eagles have had limited success with former Cowboy players coming to the Novacare Complex. Why would Pollard be any different?
Chance Eagles Sign Him: Low
Devin Singletary
Singletary could very well sign back with the Houston Texans, but he’s a complete back that would make sense for Roseman and the Eagles’ offense. The issue is that the dollar amounts won’t match for any legitimate negotiating to happen.
Chance Eagles Sign Him: Low
AJ Dillon
Philadelphia fans love their power running backs. Whether it was Wilbert Montgomery, Duce Staley, or LeGarrette Blount, the Eagles have had a lot of success with powerful backs. Dillon has the style of Henry despite the lack of overall touches, and it could mean a cheaper deal for the franchise to make.
Chance Eagles Sign Him: High
JK Dobbins
Dobbins is coming off a torn Achilles suffered last season. That means the 25-year-old will be cheap and potentially effective in his return to the field. This is a potential move that screams Roseman.
Chance Eagles Sign Him: High
Boston Scott
Scott has become somewhat of a folk hero for fans in Philadelphia due to his short stature and ability to dominate against the Giants. There’s a good possibility that if Big Blue doesn’t actually sign him, he could return to the Eagles on another one-year deal.
Chance Eagles Sign Him: High
Final Prediction
Philadelphia signs JK Dobbins, AJ Dillon, and Boston Scott to one-year deals.
If the Eagles somehow got Henry on a cheap deal, then this is all a moot conversation. That being said, it’s unlikely that will happen.
KEEP READING: Eagles Opponents 2024
Dillon, Dobbins, and Scott have injury concerns that will lower their overall cap hits and allow Philadelphia to sign them to smaller deals. This would not only be the deepest running back room the team will have since their Super Bowl squad in 2017, but it’s a perfect blend of speed, power, and finesse.
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