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Lions | Jahmyr Gibbs posts terrific average in 2024 Fri Jul 11, 06:51 PM
Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs averaged 5.65 yards per carry during the 2024 season, which ranked third in the NFL in that category.
Link to storyJahmyr Gibbs player page
49ers | Christian McCaffrey looking as good as ever? Fri Jul 11, 01:18 PM
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey 'looks incredible ... and so explosive,' according to FB Kyle Juszczyk.
| Footballguys view: It's a small quote, and these are the type of things often heard in the offseason. "Player A" in the best shape of his life! "Player B" going to be better than ever! That's all nice and well, but with McCaffrey everyone already knows how talented he is at full strength. Fantasy GMs who are taking McCaffrey near the end of the first round (current ADP of RB5) will have to have a plan in place if he misses more time. Isaac Guerendo is in line to be McCaffrey's primary backup in 2025. |
Christian McCaffrey player page
Chargers | Najee Harris likely to miss start of camp Fri Jul 11, 11:23 AM
Updating previous reports, Los Angeles Chargers RB Najee Harris (eye) is likely to miss the start of training camp due to the eye injury suffered from a fireworks mishap.
| Footballguys view: Harris will be ready to go by the start of the regular season. If he misses time at the beginning of camp that gives rookie first-round pick Omarion Hampton a larger chance to impress. The Chargers are going to have a full-fledged RBBC in a Jim Harbaugh run-heavy offense. That means Harris and Hampton will share the workload, frustrate Fantasy GMs, and likely each produce as flex options due to this split. |
Najee Harris player page
Titans | Tyjae Spears may see more work Fri Jul 11, 10:45 AM
Tennessee Titans RB Tyjae Spears looked explosive during offseason workouts and is expected to receive a bigger role in the offense this upcoming season, in the opinion of TennesseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt.
| Footballguys view: Earlier this year, Titans HC Brian Callahan said "I think we can do a better job managing that load so they both play a little more evenly" when discussing how the team could split time with Spears and Tony Pollard. Spears is a complete back, but the Titans have primarily used him on passing downs. We'll see if that changes this year, and we've got Spears at RB41 in our consensus rankings. |
Tyjae Spears player page
Chargers | Najee Harris suffers injury Fri Jul 11, 08:51 AM
Los Angeles Chargers RB Najee Harris (eye) suffered a superficial eye injury during a Fourth of July event but should be ready for the start of the 2025 season, according to agent Doug Hendrickson.
Link to storyNajee Harris player page
Rams | Jarquez Hunter to add speed element Thu Jul 10, 10:53 AM
Los Angeles Rams fourth-round pick RB Jarquez Hunter was eighth in FBS last season with 42 explosive rushes. He had the second-highest explosive rush rate (10+ yards) among FBS backs with more than 150 carries last year.
| Footballguys view: Hunter was a stud running back for Auburn, and now he brings that speed and never-say-die attitude to the Rams. With his speed, Hunter led the SEC with 6.4 yards per carry in 2024. Hunter also had plenty of explosive plays, with 42 carries of 10 yards or more (sixth most in the FBS last year). The Rams traded up for Hunter in the fourth round, but as a rookie he'll have to carve out what could be a limited amount of playing time behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. |
Rams | Blake Corum impressing Thu Jul 10, 10:43 AM
Los Angeles Rams RB Blake Corum showed explosiveness in organized team activities, according to running backs coach Ron Gould. 'He's gotten his speed back, so his explosiveness has come back,' Gould said. 'We had a chance to just see that, and then his ability to come out of cuts, which is something that we saw in the junior year and part of his senior year.' Corum has displayed more explosive tendencies during training camp than he did last season.
| Footballguys view: Corum is in line to be the primary backup to Kyren Williams. He's going to have to compete with rookie Jarquez Hunter for that spot, and it sounds like the second-year pro is impressing this offseason. We'll watch this competition in training camp and the preseason. Even though Corum's rookie season was 'meh' (3.6 yards per carry will do that), we still like him in dynasty formats. |
Eagles | AJ Dillon's spot in question? Thu Jul 10, 10:43 AM
Philadelphia Eagles RB AJ Dillon's 'isn't even a sure-shot' to make the 53-man roster, according to Geoff Mosher of PhillyVoice.com.
| Footballguys view: No surprise here. The Eagles have Saquon Barkley atop the depth chart, and Will Shipley may be the primary backup. Shipley and Dillon will compete for that spot, but Dillon lacks the three-down ability the team may be looking for in that role. Dillon's best bet to a roster spot is to prove himself as a short-yardage and goal line option for the Eagles. |
Titans | Kalel Mullings on track for camp Thu Jul 10, 10:43 AM
Tennessee Titans RB Kalel Mullings (undisclosed) is expected to be a full participant when training camp starts despite missing some offseason work because of an undisclosed injury.
| Footballguys view: A converted linebacker at Michigan, Mullings was an absolute hammer playing running back for two seasons with the Wolverines. He brings that size and power to the NFL, and the rookie could be the best short-yardage and goal line option for the Titans. That means we could be looking at a three-headed RBBC with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. |
Eagles | Nyheim Hines could be an option Wed Jul 9, 03:48 PM
Free-agent RB Nyheim Hines (Browns) could receive interest from the Philadelphia Eagles once he is healthy, in the opinion of EaglesWire's Victor Williams. Hines has played under head coach Nick Sirianni when they were both with the Indianapolis Colts.
| Footballguys view: The Eagles are constantly looking for talent, even as one of the most talented teams in the league. Hines would give the Eagles a veteran receiving back to fill in if/when Saquon Barkley needs a breather. Right now, that job likely goes to Will Shipley. |
Nyheim Hines player page
Dolphins | Jaylen Wright likely to see bigger role Wed Jul 9, 01:10 PM
Miami Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright likely will be asked to take a bigger workload this upcoming season and may be used as a inside runner in the offense, in the opinion of DolphinsWire's Jason Sarney.
| Footballguys view: We are excited to see more from Wright. The Dolphins have a ton of speed on offense, and Wright fits that bill. With a current ADP of RB52, we love drafting and stashing Wright to see what he can do this year. He'll begin the season as the primary backup to De'Von Achane but it sounds like there might be some work for him here (that could make him fantasy relevant) even if Achane is healthy. |
Chargers | Kimani Vidal fighting for No. 3 role Wed Jul 9, 10:30 AM
Los Angeles Chargers RB Kimani Vidal 'will have to shine in other areas' in order to lock down the No. 3 role behind Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris, in the opinion of Chargers Wire's Spencer Schultz.
| Footballguys view: We appreciate Vidal's game, especially because he brings a different skill set to the field than the top-2 backs (Harris and Hampton) on the roster. Vidal is a compact player with good receiving ability in the open field. In addition to what he does as a receiver (and as a runner), Vidal will have to prove himself in pass protection and perhaps get some work in on special teams to lock down the no.3 role for the Chargers. |
NFL | Nyheim Hines waiting for another chance to play Mon Jul 7, 02:48 PM
Free-agent RB Nyheim Hines (knee) believes his knee is ready for a return to action almost two years to the date he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a jet-ski accident, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Link to storyNyheim Hines player page
Giants | Tyrone Tracy Jr. hoping to be less fumble-prone Sat Jul 5, 11:25 AM
New York Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., who finished his rookie campaign with five fumbles, has been working on holding on to the football. He purchased a grip strengthener this offseason that he uses every night and he feels that it has made a difference.
| Footballguys view: Tracy is a talented back who can thrive as a runner or receiver out of the backfield, but that doesn't matter if he can't hang onto the ball. In addition to ball security, Tracy needs to improve his pass-protection ability. Rookie Cam Skattebo is there to compete for playing time, and errors by Tracy could open the door for the young power back. |
Vikings | Ty Chandler not a lock for roster? Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Minnesota Vikings RB Ty Chandler likely needs an 'inspiring training camp' in order to secure a roster spot, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
| Footballguys view: The Vikings appeared to sour on Chandler during the 2024 season even though they had big hopes for him going into the year. They traded for Cam Akers in October and quickly phased out Chandler. Akers wasn't re-signed (he's in New Orleans now), but the Vikings traded for Jordan Mason, who will be in a committee with Aaron Jones. It's possible the team only carries two backs into the season, but if they have a third and it's not Ty Chandler, two undrafted free agents - Zavier Scott and Tre Stewart - are the other two backs on currently on the roster. |
Rams | Kyren Williams outstanding in red zone Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Los Angeles Rams RB Kyren Williams recorded all 14 of his rushing touchdowns in the red zone during the 2024 NFL season. He also caught both of his receiving touchdowns in the red zone.
| Footballguys view: The Rams have drafted running backs in the third round (Blake Corum) and fourth round (Jarquez Hunter) in the last two drafts, and both are bigger than Williams. Don't expect Williams to cede that red zone role, though, as the Rams love him, and are seeking to sign him to a long-term extension. Williams is a clear lead back in a great offense, but he's still available in the third round of fantasy drafts. |
Eagles | Saquon Barkley better in second half of games Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 1,245 yards and eight touchdowns during the second half of games during the 2024 season. He posted 760 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns in the first half of games.
| Footballguys view: The Eagles will want to keep Barkley fresh after a 480+ touch season when the postseason is added to his final numbers. 2024 fourth round pick Will Shipley had a great spring and should play the Kenneth Gainwell role at a minimum after Gainwell signed with Pittsburgh in free agency. AJ Dillon is coming back from a neck injury and could be the early down backup, but Shipley is talented enough to claim that role too. When you are putting together a list of backup running backs to target late in your draft, Shipley should be on it. |
Saquon Barkley player page
Jaguars | Rookie RB could handle third-down role Thu Jul 3, 01:08 PM
Jacksonville Jaguars RBs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen 'make sense as potential fill-ins on third downs thanks to their abilities as pass-catchers out of the backfield and the success each had pass-blocking in college,' according to SI.com's John Shipley.
| Footballguys view: Tuten is an exciting player with the ball in his hands. He loves the East-West cuts as a runner, and Tuten can be difficult for defenders to line up for a tackle. He had zero drops in 2024 and can be a reliable receiver out of the backfield. Allen has some James Cook to his game. He's got build-up speed, and Allen can make quick cuts with creativity as a runner. We like both rookie runners in dynasty formats. |
Chiefs | Elijah Mitchell should make team Thu Jul 3, 11:47 AM
Kansas City Chiefs RB Elijah Mitchell should make the team, given good health, in the opinion of beat writer Jesse Newell.
| Footballguys view: It will be interesting to see if Mitchell can stay healthy because everyone knows he has talent to produce in the NFL. As a rookie in 2021, Mitchell was nearly a 1,000-yard rusher for the 49ers but he's only played in 16 games over the next three years (and missed all of 2024 due to a hamstring injury). If healthy, Mitchell will work into the backfield rotation with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. |
Elijah Mitchell player page
Bills | James Cook expected at camp Thu Jul 3, 11:47 AM
Buffalo Bills RB James Cook is expected to report for the start of training camp despite his contract situation.
| Footballguys view: Repeat after me; "deals get done at deadlines." The deadline is the beginning of training camp coming up at the end of the month. We'll see if the two sides can come to an agreement before then. Reports indicate Cook wants a new contract that pays him around $15 million annually. |
Packers | Josh Jacobs a big factor in back half of 2024 Thu Jul 3, 11:47 AM
Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs rushed for 12 of his 15 touchdowns during the second half of the 2024 NFL season even though he rushed for 667 yards in the first half and 662 yards in the second half.
| Footballguys view: Jacobs was a stud for the Packers last year. In 17 games, Jacobs ran 301 times for 1329 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns. He also added a career-best 9.5 yards per reception on 43 targets. This year, Fantasy GMs are taking Jabobs off the board in the second or third round with a current ADP of RB10. |
Josh Jacobs player page
Lions | David Montgomery found end zone early in 2024 Thu Jul 3, 11:47 AM
Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery recorded nine of his 12 rushing touchdowns in the first half of games during the 2024 NFL season.
| Footballguys view: Montgomery is a player who sets the tone for the Lions offense. In 2025, Montgomery will once again work in tandem with Jahmyr Gibbs to give Detroit one of the best 1-2 punches in the league. While Gibbs is going off the board at RB3 in fantasy drafts, you can get Montgomery around RB24. |
David Montgomery player page
Jaguars | Bhayshul Tuten needs to improve pass blocking Wed Jul 2, 11:28 AM
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten needs to improve his pass protection, according to head coach Liam Coen. 'From protection systems in college to the pros, that's usually where you see some of the tempo slow down for them - playing slower, thinking more - is when pass-pro starts to kind of bog the mind,' Coen said in June, explaining that teaching the 'why' for backs to learn several variations of footwork that pair with pass proection can slow down a back in that phase of the offseason.
| Footballguys view: Often compared to Miami's De'Von Achane, Tuten can take one cut and use his 4.32-second speed to explode down the field with ease. But he'll need to prove he can protect Trevor Lawrence -- and secure the football. Tuten fumbled the ball nine times over his last two seasons at Virginia Tech. Then, on Day 1 of Jaguars organized team activities, Tuten proved that it remains an issue, as he lost the ball on his first rep of the day. So, the athleticism and play-making ability are there. But Tuten has work to do. |
Panthers | Less work moving forward for Chuba Hubbard? Wed Jul 2, 12:52 AM
Carolina Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard finished with 250 carries in 2024 - the 11th most in the league and second most among all running backs who played 15 games or fewer. It is a number that will drop in 2025 in part because the Panthers want Hubbard to be fresh for four more seasons at a minimum, according to Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer.
| Footballguys view: With Jonathon Brooks slow to return from his 2023 ACL tear, Hubbard was the starter from Day 1 last season. He was fed a ton as the team tried to figure out how good he could be and whether he was worth an extension. He was good enough to earn a four-year deal. Zietlow acknowledges Hubbard will still receive a majority of the touches -- most notably at the goal line, where Hubbard running behind Robert Hunt was one of the most reliable plays in the Dave Canales playbook. Even with a slightly lighter workload, Hubbard's priced right at RB18. |
Chuba Hubbard player page
Broncos | Denver hoping for consistency from J.K. Dobbins Wed Jul 2, 12:16 AM
Denver Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins will be needed to 'deliver a consistent presence in the backfield,' in the opinion of The Athletic's Nick Kosmider, who writes that Dobbins could be an 'every-down staple' for the offense.
| Footballguys view: Dobbins posted nine touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage as he was the runner-up for Comeback Player of the Year honors with the Chargers in 2024. He ranked fourth in the NFL in percentage of rush attempts that resulted in a gain of at least 10 yards. Head coach Sean Payton said Dobbins' running balance and instincts stand out on film. There is competition in Denver. Rookie RJ Harvey will play a prominent role and the Broncos return four running backs who had carries last season: Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, Blake Watson, and Tyler Badie. |
J.K. Dobbins player page
Commanders | Brian Robinson Jr. a standout in camp Tue Jul 1, 01:06 AM
Washington Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. has had 'a good offseason,' per head coach Dan Quinn, who added that you could feel the running back's 'urgency and intensity.' Robinson is healthy as well heading into a contract year.
| Footballguys view: If healthy, Washington's lead runner could recapture his early-season form (he averaged 4.6 yards per carry through Week 9). The Athletic's Jacob Robinson advised readers to keep an eye on rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, too, as he's the only back who could unseat Robinson. Meanwhile, Robinson is being drafted as RB30 in ongoing drafts. |
Eagles | Saquon Barkley matched carries mark in 2024 Tue Jul 1, 12:26 AM
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley totaled 436 carries, including the playoffs, during the 2024 season, which matched the highest number of carries in a season since 2000 -- former Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray logged an identical 436 carries in 2014.
| Footballguys view: Despite the massive workload, Barkley claims there are no aftereffects. "I feel really good," he said last month. "Like I'm entering my prime." But the concern is obvious. As Footballguy Gary Davenport pointed out, of the 30 running backs to surpass 370 carries in a season since 1980, only one, Eric Dickerson in 1984 (when he set the NFL all-time rushing record), gained more rushing yards the following year. Forty percent saw their production drop by over half. That said, Barkley is still this year's RB1, according to current ADP data, going with the second pick overall. |
Saquon Barkley player page
Texans | Joe Mixon consistent in 2024 Tue Jul 1, 12:23 AM
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon rushed for 503 yards and five touchdowns during the first half of the 2024 season and rushed for 513 yards and six touchdowns during the second half of the season.
| Footballguys view: Mixon's 1,016 rushing yards were his fourth time crossing the 1,000-yard mark, though they were the fewest of those instances. His 4.1 yards per carry were a step up from the season prior, and he added another 309 yards on 36 receptions. His 11 touchdowns were the second-most in his career. Still, with Mixon's age (he'll turn 29 this month) and previous workload, the Texans could mix in other backs -- including the recently signed Nick Chubb -- to keep the veteran fresh. Mixon, who was RB10 last year. He is being drafted as RB19 in early Round 5. |
Joe Mixon player page
Panthers | Chuba Hubbard terrific on first down in 2024 Tue Jul 1, 12:13 AM
Carolina Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard rushed for 803 yards and seven touchdowns on first down during the 2024 season.
| Footballguys view: Hubbard proved to be a perfect fit for Dave Canales' offense. He set career highs in rushing attempts (250), rushing yards (1,195), rushing touchdowns (10), and receptions (43) while recording 171 receiving yards and an additional touchdown in his 15 starts. Hubbard, who finished 2024 as RB15 in total points (and RB13 in points per game), is being drafted as RB18 in Round 4 this year. |
Chuba Hubbard player page
Saints | No TDs for Alvin Kamara in back half of 2024 Tue Jul 1, 12:07 AM
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara rushed for 505 yards and six touchdowns in the first eight games of the 2024 season but posted 445 yards and zero rushing touchdowns during the second half of the season. He did catch 28 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown during the second half.
| Footballguys view: Kamara also set a career-high in rushing last year and had his best season in terms of yards per carry since 2020. He caught 68 passes and had almost 1,500 total yards. New coach Kellen Moore has discussed wanting to center the Saints' offense around Kamara in 2025, which could help ease the burden on rookie QB Tyler Shough, who is expected to win the starting job. Kamara, who finished last season as RB5, is projected to finish as RB14. He's currently being drafted as RB16 in Round 5. |
Alvin Kamara player page
Patriots | Antonio Gibson in line for RB3 role Mon Jun 30, 10:05 AM
New England Patriots RB Antonio Gibson appears to be in line for the No. 3 role in the backfield, in the opinion of ESPN's Mike Reiss.
| Footballguys view: Gibson ran the ball 120 times for the Patriots last season, but he only wound up with 538 yards and a touchdown. As MSN.com noted, although he made three starts, Gibson never seemed to be on the verge of overtaking Stevenson, and now, with the addition of rookie TreVeyon Henderson, is another rung down the ladder. |
Antonio Gibson player page
Ravens | Derrick Henry more successful after halftime Sun Jun 29, 02:36 PM
Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry rushed for 1,119 yards and eight touchdowns during the second half of games last season. He rushed for 740 yards and eight touchdowns in the first half.
| Footballguys view: Defenses get weary dealing with Henry, Lamar Jackson, and a multi-faceted, ultraefficient passing game. The Ravens offense could even better this year with a line that will have four returning starters, three of which are still on their rookie contracts. Henry finished as RB4 in PPR leagues last year, a hair behind Bijan Robinson, but is going at RB5 and 11 overall in the latest Footballguys ADP. |
Derrick Henry player page
Buccaneers | Bucky Irving terrific in red zone Sun Jun 29, 02:19 PM
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving scored all eight of his rushing touchdowns in the red zone this past season.
| Footballguys view: Irving is not a big back, but his combination of vision, decisiveness, contact balance, and agility make him a great back in close quarters nonetheless. He was a fantasy RB1 once the Bucs put him atop the depth chart, and both Irving and the offense can be better in 2025. There's still potential for Irving to surpass his current Footballguys ADP of RB9 and 21 overall. |
Jets | Breece Hall unlikely to be dealt Sat Jun 28, 11:37 AM
New York Jets RB Breece Hall was reassured earlier this offseason by head coach Aaron Glenn that the team is not looking to trade him, even though he is entering the final season of his rookie contract.
| Footballguys view: Hall is a talented runner, and he's set to be the lead back for the Jets this year. Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis are there to complement him in the backfield, and the Jets will use them behind Hall. In addition to what he can do on the ground, Hall is a good receiving option out of the backfield. His workload and three-down skill set makes him an RB2 with upside. |
Broncos | Workload uncertain for J.K. Dobbins Sat Jun 28, 09:31 AM
Denver Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins' workload remains to be seen, according to head coach Sean Payton. 'Don't try to figure out the club right now,' Payton said. 'It's way too early.'
| Footballguys view: This is a situation to monitor during training camp and the preseason. Dobbins will split time with rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey in the Broncos backfield. Who is the lead back? That's uncertain right now, but we could see Dobbins getting a majority of the work early in the season. As Harvey proves himself in pass protection, the electric rookie back could shoulder more of the load. This is a two-headed RBBC where value could vary as the season goes on, plus Dobbins has missed more games than he's played in his pro career. At this time, both backs are flex plays with upside in a Sean Payton offense as he looks for his new Mark Ingram/Alvin Kamara combination. |
J.K. Dobbins player page
Eagles | Will Shipley expected to be pass catcher Sat Jun 28, 09:31 AM
Philadelphia Eagles RB Will Shipley is expected to be the primary pass catcher out of the backfield for the Eagles this upcoming season.
| Footballguys view: Shipley will take the role Kenneth Gainwell had last year if he can beat out AJ Dillon for the no.2 spot on the depth chart. The Eagles let Gainwell (Steelers) walk in free agency, and now Shipley will be the primary back who gives Saquon Barkley a breather. In that role, we could see Shipley getting around 100 carries and 15-20 catches on the season. If Barkley were to miss time, Shipley would step into a larger and much more fantasy-relevant role. |
Giants | Tyrone Tracy has goal for 2025 Fri Jun 27, 04:09 PM
New York Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. said he is hoping to rush for 1,500 yards this upcoming season.
| Footballguys view: Tracy will have to hold onto the ball after fumble problems derailed an otherwise very successful rookie year that saw Tracy overtake Devin Singletary in the Giants backfield. The team drafted Cam Skattebo in the fourth round, who could be a strong alternative if Tracy has another bout of fumblitis. Skattebo has had fumble issues of his own in college, so there's a wide range of outcomes of how this backfield will shake out. The relatively low current ADP of both Tracy and Skattebo in the 8th-9th round range accurately reflects the uncertainty. |
Jaguars | Travis Etienne still the lead back? Fri Jun 27, 11:01 AM
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne is expected to remain the team's top running back, according to Demetrius Harvey of of Jacksonville.com.
| Footballguys view: Harvey also wrote that we shouldn't be surprised if Etienne "takes a bit of a backseat as a rusher as the team's running game and his receiving ability evolve". There has been talk that Etienne will be used more in space, which suits his skillset and traits better than running between the tackles. Etienne plummeting out of the top 100 overall in the latest Footballguys ADP may be an overreaction, but if this is a committee that includes roles for Tank Bigbsy and fourth round pick Bhayshul Tuten, it's also possible that no Jaguars running back will be consistent this season. |
Travis Etienne Jr. player page
Browns | Jerome Ford a backup? Fri Jun 27, 11:01 AM
Cleveland Browns RB Jerome Ford will be a 'nice complement' to RB Quinshon Judkins and RB Dylan Sampson, according to Dan Labbe of The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
| Footballguys view: Ford took a pay cut to $1.75 million, about half of what he was originally due on the last year of his rookie contract after a performance-based escalator kicked in. That lower number is fully guaranteed, so Ford is very likely to make the team and have a change of pace and passing down role. He probably won't matter to us in redraft leagues unless Judkins goes down. |
Browns | Dylan Sampson splitting out wide? Fri Jun 27, 11:01 AM
Cleveland Browns RB Dylan Sampson worked as both a running back and a receiver during minicamp, according to running backs coach Duce Staley. 'Dylan is able to go play in the slot and also he's able to go and play on third down and maybe sprinkle in a little second down,' Staley said.
| Footballguys view: The Browns have Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong returning from last year's team, but Sampson could have more to offer the offense if he shows he is ready for passing down responsibilities. He's a true change of pace from the presumed starter Quinshon Judkins, who was taken with the 36th pick in April. Sampson probably doesn't have much value in redraft leagues this year, but if he can get on the field ahead of Ford and Strong, it will be a great sign for his lasting value in dynasty leagues. |
Jaguars | Bhayshul Tuten signs rookie deal Wed Jun 25, 12:16 AM
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten agreed to a four-year rookie contract, according to sources Tuesday, June 24.
| Footballguys view: The Jaguars' backfield is one of the toughest to project. Tuten is the lone back selected by the new regime and brings off-the-charts athleticism and a fumbling issue. Travis Etienne is a former first-round pick with a dual-threat skill set as a rusher and receiver. And Tank Bigsby, who had a quiet rookie season, stepped up in Year 2. HC Liam Coen deployed a rotational committee last year in Tampa Bay. And that tendency could make for a frustrating situation in Jacksonville this year. |
Eagles | Will Shipley poised for bigger role? Tue Jun 24, 01:48 PM
Philadelphia Eagles RB Will Shipley 'offers the dynamic qualities that ideally complement (Saquon) Barkley' and 'should add a nice flair to a new-look Eagles offense,' according to Andrew DiCecco of Inside The Birds.
| Footballguys view: Shipley was a pass-catching machine in college and could be helpful in a similar role in the NFL. With recently-acquired AJ Dillon now in Philadelphia as well, their fundamentally different skill sets allow the staff to lean on each of their strengths. Tying this in with reports that the Eagles want to lessen Barkley's load, Shipley should start to creep up draft boards. |
Eagles | Less reliance on Saquon Barkley moving forward? Tue Jun 24, 01:34 PM
Philadelphia Eagles RB P Saquon Barkley has been calculated when balancing training and recovery this offseason, ensuring he's as fresh as possible when players report to training camp. However, multiple players publicly expressed the need for the offense to evolve from last year's run-heavy attack, according to Andrew DiCecco of Inside The Birds.
| Footballguys view: Recovery only becomes more critical as we age. And Barkley, coming off 482 touches and heading into his age-28 season, knows that. The Eagles can spend all offseason talking about their plans. But when the games kick off, they'll likely lean on their superstar running back the same way they did last year. |
Saquon Barkley player page
Commanders | Austin Ekeler a cut candidate? Tue Jun 24, 11:44 AM
Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler could be a cut candidate after the team selected RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round. The team would gain over $3.4 million in cap savings with a $1.5 million hit in dead money by releasing Ekeler.
| Footballguys view: Ekeler was decent as a pass catcher last year. And no other running back on the depth chart specializes in that role the way he does. While this would come as a bit of a surprise, there are a lot of RB-needy teams out there who would be quick to sign Ekeler. |
Austin Ekeler player page
Giants | Tyrone Tracy working out with top RB Mon Jun 23, 07:22 PM
New York Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been working out with Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley this offseason.
| Footballguys view: Tracy and Barkley share a few things in common: playing running back, being drafted by the Giants, and having off-the-charts athleticism. Tracy's biggest struggles last year involved his hands, as he often fumbled and dropped passes. Tracy will likely get first crack at the job in camp. But with rookie Cam Skattebo now in the picture, the coaching staff likely won't have the same tolerance for those mistakes. |
Eagles | Philly may have competition for No. 2 RB job Mon Jun 23, 06:49 PM
Philadelphia Eagles RB Will Shipley and RB AJ Dillon likely will compete for the No. 2 running back job during training camp, in the opinion of EaglesWire's Glenn Erby.
| Footballguys view: Shipley didn't do much last year as Saquon Barkley handled the lion's share of the touches. Dillon played a role as backup during his entire rookie deal with the Packers. They bring vastly different skill sets to the table. And if Barkley were to miss any time, Dillon would likely assume early-down work with Shipley spelling him on passing downs. |
Jaguars | Tank Bigsby's role uncertain Mon Jun 23, 05:47 PM
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby's role and playing time probably will be decided during training camp, in the opinion of JaguarsWire's Paul Bretl.
| Footballguys view: No one knows how the workload will be split up between Bigsby, Travis Etienne, and rookie Bhayshul Tuten. New HC Liam Coen took a hot-hand approach last year in Tampa Bay, providing touches for Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker. While it works on the field, it's frustrating for fantasy managers. We'll hope for a clearer picture as we get deeper into camp. |
Tank Bigsby player page
Broncos | Audric Estime competing for No. 3 role Sun Jun 22, 03:29 PM
Denver Broncos RB Audric Estime is expected to compete for the No. 3 role behind rookie RJ Harvey and veteran J.K. Dobbins, in the opinion of Broncos Wire's Jon Heath.
| Footballguys view: Estime brings a different skill set to the table than Jaleel McLaughlin, likely the other back fighting for the RB3 role. Realistically, it's hard to imagine any having value behind Harvey and Dobbins. However, Estime and McLaughlin are both worth late-round draft picks, as an injury to a teammate could open the door for more opportunities. |
Cowboys | Javonte Williams the likely starter? Sun Jun 22, 03:19 PM
Dallas Cowboys RB Javonte Williams is expected to get the first crack at being the starter, in the opinion of Cowboys Wire's Mike Crum.
| Footballguys view: Williams sits alongside Miles Sanders and rookie Jaydon Blue in a crowded and ambiguous running back room in Dallas. Still just 25 years old and multiple years removed from his devastating knee injury, Williams has the highest upside of the bunch. But unless he runs away with the job, drafters could be in for a frustratingly unpredictable committee this year. |
Javonte Williams player page
Broncos | RJ Harvey 'doing well' in receiving role Sun Jun 22, 03:04 PM
Denver Broncos RB RJ Harvey is 'doing well' in the receiving role, head coach Sean Payton told reporters Sunday, June 22. 'He's doing well. We haven't given him his Joker wings or any of that yet, but he's doing well,' Payton said.
| Footballguys view: One of the few flaws on Harvey's profile was his ability as a pass-blocker. And to take the vaunted role as a pass-catching back for Sean Payton, he'll need to tighten that up. But Harvey has breakaway speed that no other backs in Denver possess. The allure of his athleticism in a pass-catching role makes him a worthy rookie to target early in drafts. |