Roundtable: 5 RBs Trending Up Prior To Free Agency

Photo: Gregory Fisher, USA Today Sports

Free agency is just around the corner, and with it, changes in dynasty player values. Our staff gathers together to give a preview of players trending in positive or negative directions. Next up is running backs tending up.

Tony Pollard, Dallas

Jason Wood - There are four obvious choices: Tony Pollard in Dallas, Rachaad White in Tampa Bay, Khalil Herbert in Chicago, and James Cook in Buffalo. Of the quartet, Pollard's situation is the clearest. He was assigned the franchise tag and is set to become the 1a to Ezekiel Elliott's 1b this year, with head coach Mike McCarthy promising a heavier focus on the run game in 2023. The other three backs all have the chance to step into starting roles as veteran incumbents move to new teams, but each could easily be displaced by another veteran or rookie in the coming months.

James Cook, Buffalo

Zareh Kantzabedian - James Cook may be set to take on an expanded role in Buffalo should Devin Singletary depart. I don't expect Cook to be a workhorse, but a decent increase in opportunity is probable. Cook displayed far more efficiency and athleticism than Singletary did in 2022.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay

Dan Hindery - Rachaad White. The Leonard Fournette cut was not a surprise, but it does create an obvious opening for White to assume the lead job. With the Buccaneers in awful shape with regard to the cap, it is unlikely the team will be able to add a significant free agent at the position. Plus, an expected free-agency exodus of key starters will leave the team with much bigger fish to fry regarding draft needs. While this offense could be a disaster in 2023, White should be a fantasy factor on expected volume alone.

Kevin Coleman - Rachaad White seems the biggest winner heading into free agency. Reports show the Buccaneers will release running back Leonard Fournette, saving them about $3.5 million in cap space. White’s value immediately shot up in dynasty leagues, but his profile has flaws. He only averaged 3.7 yards per carry, and his 4.3 yards per touch is much lower than most expected, given his pass-catching profile. However, his dynasty value is at its highest, and he is one of the backs in the league trending up due to the free agency market.

Ben Cummins - Leonard Fournette has been cut, which significantly increases the value of Rachaad White. A strong dual-threat prospect entering the league last offseason, White proved his pass-catching abilities translated to the NFL in his rookie year. And his lack of overall production shouldn’t be dinged much since the entire Buccaneers’ offense was stuck in the mud for most of the 2022 season.

Kyle Yates - Rachaad White is the clear answer to this question with the upcoming release of Leonard Fournette by Tampa Bay. White slowly worked his way into the rotation more and more as the season progressed, but Fournette's presence put a cap on what White could achieve from a fantasy standpoint. With that being said, it would not be shocking to see Tampa Bay sign one of the free-agent running backs to a cheaper deal or potentially look to the loaded rookie running back class. This may create a sell-high window in Dynasty leagues.