Best free agent RB grades
By: Jake Rajala
There has been a lot of action surrounding the running back spot in free agency. We’ve seen many top notch free agent RBs switch teams. With that said, I’m going to focus on the notable RBs that have signed with a new team. I will do my very best to give them grades.
Travis Etienne: A
The New Orleans Saints landed the former Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne. He is a few years younger than the elusive and potent RB Alvin Kamara. Etienne recorded 1,107 rushing yards, averaged 4.3 YPC, and several rushing touchdowns. He finally broke up with Trevor Lawrence, who was his college teammate. I also love this signing because the Saints signed David Edwards, who can prowl people at the guard spot. Edwards and Erik McCoy can be the best center-guard tandem in the league.
Kenneth Walker: A-
The Michigan State legend, Kenneth Walker, still kept faith in Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, despite them missing the playoffs. Walker is the best RB that the Chiefs have had since Jamal Charles in my opinion. Walker, who won Super Bowl MVP, will be the bell-cow RB. The Chiefs usually have a rotation of RBs that get involved in the game. I don’t believe Walker will split a lot of carries. I’d like to see the Chiefs target a highly coveted WR, such as Tyreek Hill, now. The Chiefs love to control the ball and slowly mow down defenses. They can certainly accomplish that with Walker.
JK Dobbins: B-
The former Baltimore Raven and Los Angeles Charger, JK Dobbins, is a sharp running back, don’t get me wrong. I’d still like to see the Denver Broncos have a 1B to RJ Harvey, who can be a 1A. Harvey had 540 rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs last season. The Saints had Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara under Sean Payton in recent memory. They also had Reggie Bush and Deuce McCallister once. I would have preferred to see the Broncos trade for a stout RB. Perhaps they will trade for Alvin Kamara.
Kenneth Gainwell: B+
Kenneth Gainwell is quite the versatile piece. He notched 537 rushing yards, averaged 4.7 YPC, and five rushing touchdowns for the Steelers last season. The most impressive part is that he had 73 catches for 486 yards. He can be a security blanket for Mayfield, who throws too many interceptions. Gainwell had 1,023 total yards and eight total touchdowns. Gainwell had a PFF grade of 73.8. This placed him at 24th among 55 RBs. The Bucs lost Mike Evans. I would have to say Evans matters more than Gainwell to this offense.
Rico Dowdle: B
Rico Dowdle is at an interesting point in his career. He’s 27, so he could sign a big, long deal, or he could sign a short deal with aims of signing another short deal, afterward. He signed a two year deal worth $12.25 million dollars with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s registered 1,076 rushing yards an six rushing touchdowns last season with the Carolina Panthers. He was a fantasy maniac for a part of the season. He also had 39 catches, so he can do it all.
Tyler Allgeier
Tyler Algeier is famous for never fumbling the ball late in the games. Well, that’s not his only specialty. He had eight rushing touchdowns last season. He has been a RB2 over his past four seasons. At 25 years old, he has his best shot at being out of Bijan Robinsons’ shadow and being a starting RB. He inked a two year contract worth $12.25 million dollars.
Isiah Pacheco
The former Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco signed will be joining the Detroit Lions. His contract details are still unknown. It is known that he him and Jahmyr Gibbs will turn into one of the best RB tandems in the league. Pacheco and Gibbs are both quite explosive and versatile. With them staying fresh, they should have plenty of long runs.
I listed the grades for the RBs that have signed. Well, there are many ball-carriers left unsigned.
Joe Mixon is unsigned. He had a freak medical condition last season. It appears he should be a full go this offseason. I’d love to see join the 29 year old join the Vikings.
Najee Harris is also a FA. He was MIA last season, but he did record a 1k+ yards rushing in each of his first three seasons. He is 28 years old. I’d love to see him join the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Austin Ekeler is a fine versatile weapon for any team. He only played in two games last season. However, he recorded 733 total yards in 2024. He was also a heck of a return specialist. He averaged 31.3 yards per kick return.
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