New Landing Spot Predictions for 2024 NFL Free-Agent RBs After Franchise-Tag Deadline | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Daniel Foster J.K. Dobbins
J.K. Dobbins has displayed Pro Bowl potential when healthy, but injuries have been the unfortunate story of his career. After missing the entire 2021 season and playing just one game in 2023, Dobbins has logged only 24 NFL appearances since being drafted in the second round in 2020.
Projected to earn just a shade over $2 million on his next contract, Dobbins will likely need to accept a "prove it" style deal from a team betting on his health. The Green Bay Packers could be the spot for Dobbins to rehabilitate his career, allowing him to back up Aaron Jones.
Predicted Landing Spot: Green Bay Packers
After playing in the shadow of Aaron Jones for the last four seasons, AJ Dillon could finally burst out in 2024. The 6'0", 247-pound running back had done well with his limited touches until disappointment struck this past season. Despite earning the largest snap share of his career and drawing six starts, Dillon averaged only 3.4 yards per carry.
Dillon could land with a cash-strapped team hoping to get starter-caliber production at a backup cost. Predicted to earn just $3.5 million annually on his second contract, the 25-year-old makes sense for the Los Angeles Chargers—a franchise that is likely to part ways with Austin Ekeler and is more than $25 million over the cap at the onset of the new league year.
Predicted Landing Spot: Los Angeles Chargers
Kareem Hunt
After spending the first few weeks of the 2023 season on the couch, Kareem Hunt was called back into action by the Cleveland Browns following Nick Chubb's devastating injury. While Hunt wasn't a seamless replacement for the four-time Pro Bowler, he did pitch in 411 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns across 135 carries.
Although Hunt clearly isn't the speedy, elusive playmaker of his youth, the veteran looks like he still has something to offer teams as he gears up for his age-29 campaign. On a minimum contract, Hunt could be a nice depth option for a Super Bowl hopeful like the Buffalo Bills.
Predicted Landing Spot: Buffalo Bills
Devin Singletary
The Houston Texans were fortunate to have signed Devin Singletary last year. Although the backfield was expected to be led by Dameon Pierce following a promising rookie campaign, the starter significantly regressed and ultimately lost his job in the back half of the 2023 season. Singletary picked up the slack, cobbling together one of the best years of his NFL career.
Houston should reward Singletary for those efforts with a new deal. According to KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson, the "interest is mutual" in a reunion, even if Singletary isn't the only back the Texans wind up courting this offseason. With $70 million in cap space, this franchise can afford to bring back Singletary and sign one of the several available stars off the open market.
Predicted Landing Spot: Houston Texans
Alexander Mattison
The Minnesota Vikings' choice to release Dalvin Cook and forge ahead with Alexander Mattison as their starting running back wasn't a great one. Mattison struggled to replicate the impressive performances he had filling in for Cook in years past, generating just 700 yards and failing to score a single touchdown on 180 carries.
Mattison now hits free agency with his value at an all-time low. He'll have to fight for a roster spot on a cheap deal, but there's still a chance he could turn things around in 2024. A team lacking cap room like the New Orleans Saints would be a sensible fit given the low-risk, high-reward potential of such a signing.
Predicted Landing Spot: New Orleans Saints