Running back has become a bit of an afterthought in modern NFL free agency. Teams are more apprehensive than ever to pay free agent tailbacks, many of which are seeking their second contract.

But the 2023 free agent running back class might be the exception. Sure, these players could hit free agency with plenty of tread on their tires. But five of the top 12 running backs in fantasy football this season could hit the open market. This is a deep and diverse class. So let’s break down the biggest names.

2023 NFL Free Agency Primer: Running Backs (Fantasy Football)

Saquon Barkley (NYG) | RB5 in 2022

Let’s start with the biggest name. Saquon Barkley proved the doubters wrong this season, posting his healthiest and strongest campaign since his rookie year. Barkley is the ultimate risk-reward proposition. The talent is so obvious, and he practically carried the Giants’ offense this season. But will New York, or another team, be willing to pay him top dollar entering his age-26 season knowing how legitimate his injury history is?

My guess is Barkley stays with the Giants either via an extension or the franchise tag. Despite making the postseason, New York has a ton of needs, potentially at quarterback too. They can’t afford to tie up too much of their cap space to Barkley.

Josh Jacobs (LVR) | RB3 in 2022

Everyone, including maybe the Raiders, wrote Josh Jacobs off entering this season. He responded with his best season yet and will likely finish the year as the rushing champion. But after Las Vegas declined his fifth-year option last offseason, it appears likely Jacobs will depart.

Assuming Barkley stays in New York, Jacobs should be the most highly sought-after back in this year’s class. There aren’t many RB-needy teams out there, but he should be the featured back wherever he goes, and he isn’t even 25 years old.

Tony Pollard (DAL) | RB7 in 2022

The Tony Pollard situation might be one of the most fascinating free-agency situations in the league. Pollard began the season as Ezekiel Elliott‘s understudy, but he’s emerged as the leading man this season. The fourth-year pro has just 620 career touches and will turn 26 in April. For comparison’s sake, Jacobs has nearly twice as many touches in as many seasons.

At just 6 feet tall, there are questions about whether Pollard can handle a true bell cow workload. But his talent is evident. The question will be whether Dallas is willing to part with Elliott to keep him there. If he hits the open market, he should find a suitor immediately. He could garner more interest than even Jacobs, given the difference in the tire tread.

If Pollard joins a new team, expect him to be drafted as a second-round pick in 2023.

Miles Sanders (PHI) | RB11 in 2022

Miles Sanders is an interesting case. He put up 1,236 yards and scored 11 touchdowns this year. But it’s worth wondering how much Sanders benefitted from running behind the league’s best offensive line, as well as having Jalen Hurts as his running mate.

In other words, 2022 feels like a peak for Sanders. And it’s possible that any other landing spot would represent a downgrade for him situationally. Sanders is someone to tread lightly with in 2023 if he doesn’t get brought back by the Eagles.

David Montgomery (CHI) | RB22 in 2022

David Montgomery is your unspectacular workmanlike back. And I’m curious to see how the league could view him compared to the rest of his free agency class. I also wonder if the Bears wind up bringing him back on a cheap deal if he strikes out in free agency. He’s only 25, but Montgomery is probably better suited as the early down back in a committee moving forward. It’s probably best to treat him as an RB3 or flex option moving forward.

Kareem Hunt (CLE) | RB42 in 2022

Kareem Hunt is another complete wild card in this class. He came to Cleveland to rehab his image and now could have a chance to revive his career as a featured back. The problem is Hunt’s 2022 was a disappointment, as he posted a career-low in yards per carry and touchdowns while serving as Nick Chubb‘s backup.

Hunt is also 27, which means his prime might be dwindling. I’d expect Hunt to land a short-term, incentive-laden deal with a contending team seeking a cost-effective alternative at tailback. Hunt could be an intriguing RB2 depending on his landing spot.

Jamaal Williams (DET) | RB12 in 2022

Jamaal Williams’ massive 2022 season came out of nowhere, as the Lions seemingly realized the fragility of star tailback D’Andre Swift. Williams is coming off a career year but will turn 28 in April. My guess is the Lions, who gushed about Williams during “Hard Knocks” this summer, bring him back. But Williams isn’t going to become a featured back at this stage of his career. Instead, he’ll probably be that aggravating handcuff wherever he goes.

Devin Singletary (BUF) | RB23 in 2022

Devin Singletary never really panned out as the featured back in Buffalo. But caddying alongside Josh Allen has its perks, as Singletary ran for 790 yards and five touchdowns while catching 37 passes. James Cook waits in the wings and might have a potential breakout second season. That means Singletary could be sent packing, where he likely will struggle to be an RB2 outside of Buffalo.

Damien Harris (NEP) | RB50 in 2022

It’s been a rough free agency campaign for Damien Harris, who will most likely be out of New England this offseason. Harris is entering his age-26 season. Due to injuries and Rhamondre Stevenson, he’s coming off his worst season since his rookie campaign.

It’s tough to determine Harris’ market, but his days as a fantasy relevant running back could be numbered.