Free Agency Preview 2021: Running Backs

Washington’s situation at the running back position is pretty stable on a surface level. Rookie Antonio Gibson, a wide receiver at the University of Memphis, had a good season as a full-time running back. Free-agent signee J.D. McKissic and Peyton Barber were very useful in their roles for Washington. McKissic, being a good spot back for Gibson mostly, while also being the main receiver threat at running back. Barber, getting the tough yards for Washington, thriving in situational football where the team needs a yard or two. Is it enough? Can they upgrade? Veteran back Lamar Miller, who was with Washington for a cup of coffee, is the only back that is not under contract heading into free agency. We will preview the free-agent options at running back that Washington can take a look at this off-season.

Running Backs

James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers – Do not be fooled by his size; at 6’1 233 lbs, Conner (25) is a very versatile back. In his three years as the Pittsburgh Steelers starter, Conner had over 500 carriers and over 150 pass targets. Conner accumulated over 3,265 yards from scrimmage while averaging five yards per carry and 26 total touchdowns. Washington would be an excellent fit for Conner because it allows both offensive coordinator Scott Turner and running back coach to rotate McKissic and Gibson without missing a beat, as all three backs are capable of doing the same thing. Conner’s vision would ultimately make him the back who gets the most carries, but not necessarily the most touches per game, which could change any given week depending on who has the hot hand.

James White, New England Patriots – White (29) is likely the best receiving back on the market this year. Nevertheless, he is better than just a pass-catching back; White has good vision and elusiveness that will benefit any offense and even allow him to get snaps on any down. In 92 games with the New England Patriots, White amassed 4,424 yards while averaging 6.5 yards per touch and totaling 35 touchdowns. White would be third in the rotation between Gibson and McKissic but would complement both of them well.

Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts – Mack (24) excelled in Indianapolis as both a complementary back and a full-time starter. In two years as the lead back, Mack rushed for 908 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and 1,091 yards (4.4 yards per carry), respectively. Unfortunately, an Achilles injury abruptly ended Mack’s 2020 season in week one, and in a contract year, he became expendable to the Colts. Mack has deceptive speed that makes him a threat on any given run, but he also has an uncanny ability to break tackles around the line of scrimmage. Not much of a receiving threat, but Mack provides immediate stability at the top of the position.

Conclusion

Before going after any of these running backs, the key decision would be the coaches assessing where Peyton Barber stands with them. While being effective at his role, Barber was proven to be extremely limited, averaging less than three yards per carry. Though under contract for 2021, he could save the team a little over $1 million in cap space while also allowing the team to strengthen the position especially given how much Turner loves to utilize his running backs. In the next couple of weeks, this will be a storyline to follow as moving on from Barber can indicate a potential upgrade coming to the position.