FlurrySports assembles a list of the best available running backs in 2026 NFL Free Agency, including Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne.
The running back position is often devalued, due to the average career length of the position as well as more teams taking a “specialist” approach instead of featuring one player who can do it all. However, the past few seasons have shown many teams the importance of having a great talent at RB, thanks to the performances of Saquon Barkley a couple of seasons ago and even Kenneth Walker III in the Super Bowl this past season. As a result, this free agency class could earn itself decent money.
With several teams in need of either a reliable starting running back or someone who can be a change of pace in the backfield, or both, this group of free agent RBs is an interesting one. Below, we have our RB NFL Free Agency rankings, going over the top players available.
When Does NFL Free Agency Start 2026
Before we get into the best quarterbacks available for teams to sign, you may be wondering when the 2026 NFL Free Agency starts! Free agents can start to sign on March 11th, when the new league year begins. However, on Monday, March 9th, the negotiation window opens at noon ET. This is when you will start to see many announcements of players committing to teams, but ink will not hit the paper until Wednesday.
Best Available RBs in Free Agency | NFL Free Agency Rankings
- Kenneth Walker III
- Travis Etienne
- Rico Dowdle
- Tyler Allgeier
- Kenneth Gainwell
- Rachaad White
- JK Dobbins
- Aaron Jones
- Brian Robinson
- Kareem Hunt
Kenneth Walker III Free Agency
After winning Super Bowl MVP for the Seattle Seahawks, the Kenneth Walker III free agency asking price has gone too high for his former team (seemingly). This leaves a giant question mark in Seattle’s backfield after Zach Charbonnet’s injury, but it also means we have a very good running back on the open market. While he has gotten banged up quite often, Walker has been a great all-around player. Last season, he played in every game, averaged 4.6 yards per carry, caught 31 passes, and scored five total touchdowns. While he needs to be in a tandem backfield, he should still get a healthy new contract.
Travis Etienne Free Agency
Many forget that Travis Etienne was the first-round draft pick by Urban Meyer. It has little relevance here, but what a fever dream that season was. And last year was an interesting one for Etienne as well. He went from being a likely trade candidate by the Jacksonville Jaguars to being their best offensive weapon, totaling 1,399 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Rico Dowdle Free Agency
After signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, Rico Dowdle did way more than anyone thought he could to earn a new contract. Hell, you could credit him for the reason Carolina made the playoffs. Dowdle totaled 1,373 yards and seven touchdowns while starting 11 games. He also had back-to-back weeks of over 200 yards.
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