Washington Offseason Breakdown: Free Agent Running Backs and Wide Receivers
March 8, 2024
by David Earl
Projected Running backs
The addition of Kliff Kingsbury to the Washington coaching staff should result in a new, dynamic the running game while keeping a balanced approach in run – pass balance. Brian Robinson Jr could potentially fill the role of James Conner from Kingsbury’s time in Arizona as the main in-between runner with his added plus-level hands in the passing game. While they could go with a different option over Robinson, the biggest move at this position will be a true pass-catching running back who also offers a level of duel threat.
Clearly, the best passing-catching runner available is Austin Ekeler, but the fact that he’s 28 years old, and averaged 3.5 yards per carry average last season, yet retains a market value of $7.4 million could generate low interest for a rebuilding team like Washington. Josh Jacobs is unlikely to simply leave the Raiders via free agency, and Saquon Barkley seems to have lost a step, so they don’t appear to have realistic options.
The two intriguing running backs on this list are D’Andre Swift ($5.6 million market value) and Rashaad Penny, who had 3 rush attempts all season last year. Swift who has a career average of 4.6 yards per attempt rushing, offers the most electric option, along with 49 receptions in 64 targets. While early in his career he struggled to stay healthy, last season he started 15 games, showing how valuable he can be in a committee approach. Provided Swift is comfortable assuming a committee role at running back, this could be a perfect match for Washington. Penny could be the best bang for the buck, as he has a career average of 5.6 yards per attempt rushing. Underutilized last season, he possesses top-end speed and power with serviceable hands in the passing game. The only downside is that, like Swift, he struggled to stay healthy early in his career.
| Player | Team | Age | 2023 AAV | 2024 Projected Market Value |
| Saquon Barkley | NYG | 26 | $10M | $6.6M |
| Josh Jacobs | LV | 25 | $11.8M | $10.8M |
| Tony Pollard | Dal | 26 | $10M | $6.6M |
| Austin Ekeler | LAC | 28 | $6.1M | $7.4M |
| D’Andre Swift | Phi | 25 | $2.1M | $5.6M |
| Derrick Henry | Tenn | 30 | $12.5M | $4.3M |
| Zack Moss | Indy | 26 | $1.1M | $4.6M |
| Devin Singletary | Hou | 26 | $2.7M | $4.3M |
| Antonio Gibson | Was | 25 | $1.2M | $3.6M |
| J.K. Dobbins | Bal | 25 | $1.40 | $2.1M |
| Gus Edwards | Bal | 28 | $4.5M | $3.6M |
| Ezekiel Elliot | NE | 28 | $3M | $2.7M |
| Kareem Hunt | Cle | 28 | $1.3M | $4.5M |
| Rashaad Penny | Phi | 27 | $1.3M | NA |
| Clyde Edwards | KC | 25 | $2.7M | $1.6M |
Projected Wide Receivers
This position group will be interesting to watch, considering that the captain of this unit Terry McLaurin is under a long-term deal, and also featuring a promising 3rd year wideout Jahan Dotson. However, McLaurin is turning 29 years old this year and Dotson seemed to have regressed last season so what direction does this new regime go? If they decide to move on from McLaurin or think Dotson’s regression is a concern, Tee Higgins from the Bengals is surely going to be available. At age 25, this 6’4″ and 219lb receiver offers the prototypical player most offenses covet. Although his market value sits at $18.6 million, the realistic number he’ll likely demand is over $20 million. Is that an investment Adam Peters is ready to make?
If they decided to simply add depth behind McLaurin and Dotson, I see a couple of different options. Re-signing Curtis Samuel is one option who offers a similar dynamic as Deebo Samuels in both the run and pass game but lacks size. Or, the team could go for a bigger-bodied option who can play inside or outside and adds speed to stretch the field in Gabriel Davis, who has a reasonable $13.5 million market value. Regardless of direction, I do not see this being a high-priority focus this offseason, as it’s unquestionably the strongest unit on offense.
| Player | Team | Age | 2023 AAV | 2024 Projected Market Value |
| Tee Higgins | Cin | 25 | $2.1M | $18.6M |
| Mike Evans (Resigned) | TB | 30 | $16.5M | $23.8M |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | Indy | 26 | $2.1M | $22.7M |
| Calvin Ridley | Jax | 29 | $2.7M | $17M |
| Marquise Brown | Ari | 26 | $2.9M | $14.8M |
| Gabe Davis | Buff | 25 | $998K | $13.5M |
| Darnell Mooney | Chi | 26 | $894K | $10.4M |
| Curtis Samuel | Was | 27 | $11.5M | $11.5M |
| Tyler Boyd | Cin | 29 | $10.7M | $8.7M |
| K.J. Osborn | Minn | 26 | $890K | $7.5M |
| Odel Beckham Jr | Balt | 31 | $15M | $11.9M |
| Josh Reynolds | Det | 28 | $3M | $7M |
| DJ Chark | Car | 27 | $5M | $10.9M |
| Noah Brown | Hou | 28 | $2.6M | $5.6M |
| Cedrick Wilson | Mia | 28 | $7.3M | NA |
| Laviska Shenault | Car | 25 | $1.9M | NA |
| Quez Watkins | Phi | 26 | $866K | NA |
| Devin Duvernay | Balt | 26 | $1.1M | NA |
Final Thoughts
The receiver position will most likely see the least amount of movement unless they prefer a more prototypical player. It’s the running back position that needs the most attention this year. While Antonio Gibson showed flashes and promise, he also showed limited vision and patience required for a running back. The draft has some options, which I will cover later, but Swift is the one player who can help reshape this offense immediately. If – or when – they draft a quarterback at pick 2, the safety valve he offers for a young quarterback as a game-changer threat is invaluable. As names like Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs hit the free-agent market, Swift potentially offers the best value when looking at salary ($5.6 annual average project) versus potential production. If he brings production every week this season and health is no longer a concern, Swift can be a cornerstone piece at age 25 years old.