The 2020 offseason is here, so there’s never been a more perfect time to look at the changes you need to make for dynasty- here we look at some RB free agents. Let’s just get straight into it!
Aaron Jones (Prev. GB)
Aaron Jones has been a quality running back over the last three years and you need to pay attention to what happens to him. The Packers are looking to reduce their cap deficit and Jones might not be around because of it. However, Jones has done well for a team that has not been a run first team over the last few years. Last year he scored 16 touchdowns and rushed for over 1,000 yards. This year he rushed for 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns. A lot will depend on if or who he goes to but he could end up being the main guy for a team that wants to run the ball. He will cost you a first and possibly another player but he could be worth it.
Chris Carson (Prev. SEA)
Chris Carson had a down year this season but that was mainly due to injury. He has never completed a whole season but he is still a player to go for. Carson rushed for over 1,000 yards the previous two years and could do something similar this upcoming year. He might stay in Seattle but it’s possible that he will move. Also, by having a slower season this year people will forget about Carson and won’t draft him where he should be. He is one of the most efficient running backs in the league and people don’t appreciate that. If he goes to a team with a good OL pick him up as your running back 2/3.
Kenyan Drake (Prev. ARI)
Kenyan Drake was costly to your team last year, especially where he was being drafted. In most drafts, he went in the first round but ended up as the number 12 ranked running back. He did rush for 955 yards and ten touchdowns in his first year for Arizona but you would of been hoping for more. There is a chance that Drake will remain with the Cardinals but it’s more likely that they won’t pay him. He showed that he can have a decent season but you don’t want him as your main guy. The earliest you should be drafting Drake is at the end of round two as your second running back.
Leonard Fournette (Prev. TB)
Leonard Fournette ended up on the Bucs team after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars before the season started. He had an ok season with 367 yards and six touchdowns but it’s not what you would have hoped for. The one positive is that he looked good in the playoffs and will now earn a contract at Tampa or elsewhere. Fournette is 26 years old now and so there is only so much value you will get from him now. People will push him up on draft boards now because of the Superbowl. Don’t fall into the trap!
Todd Gurley (Prev. ATL)
Todd Gurley used to be the number one running back in football but injuries have taken their toll. He spent last year with the Atlanta Falcons but could now be moving on to another team. Gurley rushed for 678 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking him as the 23rd best running back. Obviously, a lot will depend on where Gurley ends up playing as to if you would want to draft/trade for him. The one thing you do know is that with the injury record and his age if you take him you won’t have him for much longer.
Gus Edwards (Prev. BAL)
Gus Edwards had a good year this season and has shown progression since coming into the league. He rushed for 723 yards and six touchdowns showing that he can be a good flex option. He may stay in Baltimore which means he should do the same or he could move on. You won’t want to pay too much for Edwards but if you could get him for a third then you have done well. When it comes to drafting Edwards you want him as a bench spot that can come on and make a difference some weeks. He would be great depth at the running back position for your team.
Mike Davis (Prev. CAR)
Mike Davis has been around the NFL for a while now but showed what he can do given the opportunity. With Christian McCaffery out injured for much of the season, Carolina turned to Davis to fill the void. He amassed over 1,000 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns making him the 18th best running back. Davis would of cost you next to nothing last year as everyone knew he wouldn’t see much action as McCaffery’s back-up. Much will depend on where he goes but if he is on a team with a decent o-line and good offense he would make a good flex option.
James Connor (Prev. PIT)
James Connor had a solid season but you wanted more from the number one Pittsburgh Steelers running back. He managed to rush for 721 yards and six touchdowns and was only involved in 13 games. However, he has not played a full season in his four years as an NFL player. With that unreliability its hard to judge where people will draft him. Also, it will depend where he ends up going as it does look like he will be leaving Pittsburgh. If you want to trade for him he will probably cost you at least a second and that might be to much for most.
That’s it for our RB edition of our 2020 Offseason Dynasty Free Agents! We are going to be providing you with dynasty content all offseason. So check us out as well as our social media channels. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And, as always, if you want something more specific to your league- reach out!
Image Credit: Jeff Hanisch – USA TODAY Sports
