Mike Fanelli | Mon, Jan 6th 2025, 7:00am EST

Top 5 NFL Free Agent Running Backs (2025 Fantasy Football)

While 14 teams are heading to the playoffs, fighting for the right to be called Super Bowl champions, the other 18 NFL teams have turned their attention to the offseason. The NFL Draft is the highlight of the offseason every year. However, free agency plays a critical role in building Super Bowl contenders.

Let’s break down the top five upcoming free agent running backs and an early look at how fantasy players should view them for 2025 redraft leagues and dynasty leagues.

2025 NFL Free Agent Running Backs

1) Aaron Jones (MIN)

Many thought Jones would be a massive bust in fantasy football this season because of his age and regression last year. However, the veteran was a consistent RB2 option for fantasy players, having a bounce-back season in his first year with the Vikings. Unfortunately, he showed signs of decline late in the season, struggling after a hot start. Furthermore, Jones has seen his yards per rushing attempt average decline for the third consecutive year. The veteran might not return to Minnesota, making his early fantasy outlook for 2025 cloudy.

Early Redraft Outlook: Mid-range RB2 or lower, depending on his free agency landing spot.
Offseason Dynasty Outlook: An RB3 that rebuilding teams should trade away in the offseason.

2) J.K. Dobbins (LAC)

After struggling to stay healthy for most of his career, Dobbins had an impressive season with the Chargers. The former Ohio State star only missed four contests because of a knee injury, averaging 13.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in the other 13 outings. While he has played well, Los Angeles could replace Dobbins with an early-round rookie or big-name free agent this offseason. However, the more likely outcome is that the veteran running back re-signs with the Chargers, with the team spending a mid-round pick on a rookie.

Early Redraft Outlook: Mid-range RB2 with upside depending on his level of competition.
Offseason Dynasty Outlook: Low-end RB2 that fantasy players should explore selling high on.

3) Rico Dowdle (DAL)

While many NFL mock drafts have the Cowboys using their first-round pick on Ashton Jeanty, Dowdle has had a career year. He had his first season with over 1,000 rushing yards in 2024 after totaling 385 yards over the first three years of his career. More importantly, the veteran had a meaningful role in the passing game, totaling 39 receptions for 249 receiving yards. Dallas could re-sign Dowdle this offseason. However, they are all but a lock to use a meaningful pick on a running back during the NFL Draft.

Early Redraft Outlook: Anywhere from a mid-range RB2 to a low-end RB3/flex, depending on the level of competition and where he signs and the level.
Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A potential sell candidate if he joins another team or the Eagles add a big-name complementary running back.

4) Najee Harris (PIT)

Harris is one of the most polarizing running backs in the NFL and fantasy football. He is the only running back in the league to have over 1,000 rushing yards every year over the past four seasons. However, Harris has never averaged more than 4.1 yards per rushing attempt in any year of his career. More importantly, Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year option last offseason, making him a free agent in March. While the team could pull a 180 and re-sign the veteran, Harris likely will play elsewhere in 2025.

Early Redraft Outlook: A likely low-end RB2 or flex option with limited upside, depending on his landing spot.
Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A likely sell candidate if you can get an early-round rookie pick or better for him.

5) Jaylen Warren (PIT)

The other Steelers running back is a restricted free agent in March. Therefore, fantasy players should expect him back in Pittsburgh next season. However, will the team sign him to a long-term contract or opt for the one-year restricted free-agent tag? More importantly, Warren will likely see significant competition added to the backfield, especially if Najee Harris leaves. While everyone in the fantasy community loves the former undrafted free-agent star, Warren will likely never turn into anything more than a flex option with upside while playing for the Steelers.

Early Redraft Outlook: Mid-range RB2 if he is Pittsburgh’s clear-cut No. 1 running back. More likely, a flex option with upside.
Offseason Dynasty Outlook: While not a must-sell candidate, fantasy players should explore trade options this offseason.

Honorable Mentions:

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.

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