Ranking the 10 best running backs available in 2023 NFL free agency

3. Top Free Agent Running Backs – Miles Sanders

A key component to the Eagles’ historically dominant rushing attack, Sanders finally took on an every-down workload in 2022 and thrived. Sanders rushed for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry, an impressive breakout performance for the 25-year old. Philadelphia will want to keep Sanders but they might get outbid after his excellent season.

2. Top Free Agent Running Backs – Josh Jacobs

Jacobs took the Raiders’ decision not to pick up his fifth-year option personally and led the league in rushing, racking up 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns on 340 carries. There is a lot of mileage on Jacobs already, who has over 1,100 touches in four seasons, so there is a bit of risk here but plenty of upside left with the 25-year-old star.

1. Top Free Agent Running Backs – Saquon Barkley

Another year removed from ACL surgery did wonders for Barkley, who flashed the form that made him the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Barkley averaged 4.4 yards per carry, scored 12 touchdowns, and piled up 1,650 yards from scrimmage as the most effective playmaker on an anemic Giants’ offense. New York may not be able to use the franchise tag on Barkley if they can’t reach a long-term deal with Daniel Jones, which would be a massive benefit to Barkley’s market as a bidding war would likely ensue.