Who are the top free agent running backs available in 2023? Top 5 free agent RBs to watch out for

Plenty of competent NFL running backs will be eligible to be free agents. The 2023 offseason may see your beloved team look to add a running back.

A robust list led by Saquon Barkley also has Tony Pollard and Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders. Moroever, Damien Harris is expected to become available following a season marred by injuries.

---

Top free agent running backs

Based on their output and influence on the pitch, these are the top five RB free agents expected to enter the market:

#5 Kareem Hunt - Cleveland Browns

Kareem Hunt, the Cleveland Browns' #2 running back, may attract interest from franchises searching for a more affordable option. Despite playing a reduced role because of starting RB Nick Chubb, he was still a helpful ally.

Hunt recorded 455 rushing yards, 32 catches, 195 receiving yards and four TDs during the regular season, even though he only participated in 43% of offensive plays. It remains to be seen if Cleveland, who didn't deal Hunt before the deadline, will permit him to enter a free agency.

#4 David Montgomery - Chicago Bears

In his first three years, David Montgomery had at least 1,000 scrimmage yards and seven TDs. He's a capable dual-threat running back who could excel in the appropriate system.

He recorded 1,117 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns while playing for a Chicago Bears outfit that didn't have a solid offensive front and receiving weapons who could spread the ball. Montgomery might have had even more spectacular stats in a more conventional system.

#3 Tony Pollard - Dallas Cowboys

Tony Pollard is a lethal RB who would energize any offensive line. He has been one of the top rushing backs in the game over the last two seasons.

This season, Pollard gradually but steadily reduced Ezekiel Elliott's workload as the running back who plainly had a greater explosion and potential to bust explosive runs.

His 31 explosive rushes were the sixth-most in the league, despite typically serving as the No. 2 RB. The chance for Pollard to manage a backfield still exists at his current squad, but he might be taken by another team willing to give him just that.

#2 Josh Jacobs - Las Vegas Raiders

Josh Jacobs joined Marcus Allen as the only other member of the Las Vegas Raiders to top the league in rushing. Coach Josh McDaniels declared that he would love to see Jacobs back, but Las Vegas declined to exercise his fifth-year clause last offseason.

Jacobs topped the league with 2,053 yards from scrimmage and 1,653 yards on the ground this year. He has said that he would like to return, but the arrangement 'needs to make sense'.

Although Jacobs might easily be given a franchise tag by Las Vegas, with initial expectations placing the cost at roughly $10.1 million, both sides would likely like additional security.

#1 Saquon Barkley - New York Giants

Saquon Barkley's new contract with the New York Giants is a priority for the team, as per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

When fully fit, Barkley has proven to be an effective and efficient running back and one of the league's best double-edged weapons. Barkley's cost will be high, but a team like the Chicago Bears, with a young quarterback, could benefit greatly from his contributions.