NFL franchise tag decisions set to pave way for bumper running back free agent crop

Free agency begins in two weeks as NFL teams get set to offer big-money contracts and look to restock their rosters as preparations for the 2024 season step up. 

Wednesday, March 13 is the official start of free agency as the new NFL year begins, with the so-called ‘legal tampering’ period starting on Monday, March 11. With the salary cap having risen to a record $255.4million, expect plenty of big-money deals to be handed out. 

But while certain position groups will look for record-setting contracts, free agent running backs are again likely to face a battle to sign the kind of deals they feel they deserve. 

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, no teams are likely to use the franchise tag on a running back, meaning that the likes of Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard are all set for free agency. 

Throw in the likes of D’Andre Swift, AJ Dillon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Gus Edwards and Ezekiel Elliott who were all previously set for free agency and the 32 NFL teams are set to have a bumper market to choose from next month.

Supply is therefore likely to outstrip demand for veteran running backs, with logic suggesting that this will keep prices down, benefitting the teams, rather than the players. 

It also follows a recent trend in the NFL, whereby teams have looked to replace older running backs with cheaper, younger players without seeing a significant drop in production. 

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