[Free Agency] Running Back: No Stars but Solid Players

In the world of professional football, the running back position is one of the most critical roles on the field. They are the workhorses of the offense, tasked with carrying the ball on running plays and often involved in passing plays as well. However, in recent years, the running back market in free agency has been less about landing superstar names and more about finding solid, reliable players who can contribute to a team’s success.

While it’s always exciting to have a star player on your roster, the reality is that not every team can afford to pay top dollar for a marquee running back. Furthermore, the physical demands of the position mean that even the best running backs often have relatively short careers compared to other positions. As such, many teams are turning to free agency to find value at the running back position, seeking out solid players who may not be household names but can still make a significant impact on the field.

One of the main reasons why teams are looking for solid players instead of stars in free agency is because of the nature of the running back position itself. The position requires a unique blend of speed, power, agility, and vision, and it’s rare to find a player who excels in all these areas. Moreover, the physical toll that the position takes on players means that they often have a shorter shelf life than players at other positions.

Therefore, teams are increasingly looking for running backs who can do a specific job well, rather than expecting them to carry the entire offensive load. This could be a power back who excels at gaining tough yards in short-yardage situations, a speed back who can break big plays in open space, or a receiving back who can create mismatches in the passing game.

In recent free agency periods, we’ve seen several examples of teams finding success with this approach. For instance, the New England Patriots signed Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee in 2017, neither of whom were considered stars at the time. However, both contributed significantly to the team’s success, with Burkhead proving to be a versatile weapon in both the running and passing game, and Gillislee providing a reliable option in short-yardage situations.

Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers found success in 2019 with a committee of solid running backs including Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida, and Tevin Coleman. None of these players were big-name signings, but they all played crucial roles in the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl that season.

In conclusion, while it’s always exciting to have a star running back on your roster, the reality of the modern NFL is that teams are often better served by finding solid, reliable players who can contribute in specific roles. The physical demands of the position and the high cost of top-tier talent mean that teams are increasingly turning to free agency to fill their needs at running back. And as recent history has shown, this approach can lead to significant success on the field.