'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The NFL's free agency frenzy may be months away, but it’s never too early to look ahead to the craziest time on the football calendar.
Plenty of the league's top running backs, such as Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb, are locked to their teams for the foreseeable future, but plenty of talented backs are due to hit the free agency market in March 2023. Here are five of the best.
The NFL's best free agent running backs in 2023
#5 - Jamaal Williams
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams has established himself as one of the best redzone backs in the NFL. He’s already punched in nine touchdowns through ten weeks.
This ranks him second in the league, and he’s also rushed for 604 yards for Detroit in the absence of the injured DeAndre Swift.
The former Green Bay Packers running back has been a bit-part player for the Lions, filling in when needed, but he’s got the ability to be a lead back.
At just 27-years-old Williams has a lot left to offer whoever picks him up in free agency in 2023.
#4 - Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt may sit behind Nick Chubb in the Cleveland Browns’ rushing attack, but he’ll still be a sought-after back when free agency comes around in 2023.
Hunt led the league in rushing as a rookie back in 2017 with the Kansas City Chiefs but was released in 2019 after assault allegations were pressed against him.
Hunt was signed by the Browns and topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2020, despite starting just five games.
He may not be as explosive as he once was, but would easily start for a handful of running back-needy teams in the NFL and will be an interesting player to keep an eye on in free agency next year.
NFL best free agent running backs 2023
#3 - Tony Pollard
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard also finds himself in a crowded running back room. However, despite the Cowboys paying Ezekiel Elliott $90 million over six-years back in 2019, many Dallas fans want Pollard to get the starting berth.
Pollard has more yards and touchdowns on less attempts than Elliott so far in 2022. The Memphis product has gone for 621 yards and six touchdowns through 10 weeks.
He’s also just 25 years old, so there will be many teams vying for his signature when the 2023 free agency period rolls around.
#2 - Josh Jacobs
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has been a rare bright spot in a poor season for the Raiders, who sit 2-7 after 10 weeks.
Jacobs’ fifth-year option wasn’t taken by Las Vegas before the season started, indicating a lack of faith in the back, but he’s more than made the team regret that decision.
Jacobs has rushed for 821 yards, which ranks fourth in the NFL, as well as punching in seven touchdowns.
He will be a sought-after free agent back when the time comes, and at just 24, he has plenty of football left in him.
#1 - Saquon Barkley
Superstar running back Saquon Barkley is easily the best rusher due to hit the free agent market in 2023.
Barkley has had his injury issues throughout his time in the NFL, having failed to complete a season since his rookie year back in 2018. He only managed to rush for 593 yards in 13 games in 2021, but has already rushed for 931 yards and six touchdowns in nine outings.
He looks back to his best this year, and at just 25, he could easily play for another decade.
Barkley is one of the most well-known players in the NFL, and his superstar persona will add to his already expensive price tag come 2023 NFL free agency.
