The Eagles have several pressing needs this off-season, but one exciting position to watch will be running back, where three players (D’Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, Boston Scott) could all move on in free agency.
Philadelphia could add a player in the draft, but if they want to make a splashy or value signing at the start of next week’s free-agent period, GM Howie Roseman has plenty of big-named options to target.
The Eagles added a new offensive coordinator in former Cowboys and Chargers play caller Kellen Moore. He’ll look to institute a”physical, north-and-south run game” rooted in”getting downhill.”
With the new league year fast approaching, we’re looking at ten running backs Philadelphia could target.
Gus Edwards
An exciting contrast to Derrick Henry is Gus Edwards, who is only one year younger than the Titans star free agent but has about a third of the career carries (699). Known for his downhill power, Edwards also has surprisingly good agility and receiving ability and could mesh well in Philly.
Saquon Barkley
In 14 games last season, Barkley logged 962 yards and six rushing touchdowns, 41 receptions for 280 yards, and four touchdowns for the 6-11 Giants.
Barkley would pair well with Kenneth Gainwell while giving Philadelphia an explosive playmaker in Kellen Moore’s offense.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Edwards-Helaire is a former first-round pick in the NFL Draft, and with Isiah Pacheco solidified as the lead running back in Kansas City; he only logged 223 yards and one touchdown in 2023.
He offers potential on a low-market deal.
Devin Singletary
Singletary, a dual threat who continues to improve, recorded at least three receptions in five of his final six games of 2023. He’s set to hit free agency this offseason and helped his market by tallying 1,091 yards from scrimmage with four total touchdowns across 17 games with the Texans.
Tony Pollard
Pollard logged more than 3,600 rushing yards and more than 1,300 receiving yards over four seasons in Dallas with Kellen Moore as the offensive play-caller.
Derrick Henry
Henry, 30, will hit the open market after spending his first eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Fresh off a season in which he rushed for 1,167 yards, Henry still has gas left in the tank despite an extensive career workload.
Austin Ekeler
Ekeler averaged a career-low in yards per rush (3.5) and yards per touch (4.6). He scored just six total touchdowns in 14 games played after leading the NFL in touchdowns from scrimmage in both 2021 and 2022.
Zack Moss
A potential value signing, Moss ran for 369 yards and a touchdown in eight games with the Colts in 2022 and then had a breakout season in 2023.
Filling in for an injured Jonathan Taylor, Moss played in 14 games with eight starts and ran for 794 yards with five touchdowns. He added 192 yards and two touchdowns on 27 receptions, finishing just under 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
Antonio Gibson
Gibson finished 2023 with 65 carries for 265 yards and a touchdown and 48 catches for 389 yards and two touchdowns on 59 targets.
Gibson offers a rare combination of size and speed.
A.J. Dillon
Dillon (thumb/neck) logged 178 carries for 613 yards and two touchdowns while adding 22 receptions for 223 yards over 15 games in the 2023 season.
Dillon saw action in Green Bay’s first 14 games of the season, but his yards per carry have dipped each of the last three seasons and Philadelphia could be the perfect change of scenery.
J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins had eight carries for 22 yards and a touchdown, along with two catches for 15 yards, before he suffered a torn Achilles in the Ravens season opener.
The talented running back will have suitors on the open market.
