Top 10 2025 NFL free-agent RBs: Did Saquon, Henry change the market?

Is the NFL running back making a comeback? 

The position has been largely devalued, in contracts and the draft, but impact seasons by the Eagles' Saquon Barkley and the Ravens' Derrick Henry were a reminder that it can be a position worth investing in. None of this year's options are as good as those two, but you could see teams with solid offensive lines take a longer look at outside signings, with the idea that a good back in a better system might become a great one.

Here are the top 10 running backs available in free agency, with 10 more who will also hit the open market. 

(Top-100 ranking in parentheses)

RELATED: Top 100 2025 NFL free agents: Tee Higgins, Sam Darnold lead the way

10. Elijah Mitchell , 49ers (NR)

Mitchell didn't play at all in 2024 because of a hamstring injury, but if he's healthy, his career rushing average is 4.7 yards per carry, and he ran for 963 yards as a rookie in 2021. He's 26, and if a team is looking for a complementary back, he's an option. Mike McDaniel was the 49ers' offensive coordinator in Mitchell's rookie year, and the Dolphins coach has shown a penchant for signing his old 49ers backs, so keep an eye on Miami.

9. Kareem Hunt , Chiefs (NR)

Hunt, 29, bounced back nicely in his return to the Chiefs, rushing for 728 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games as an injury replacement. He has rushed for at least 400 yards in three straight seasons, but he's averaged fewer than four yards per carry each time, so his stats are volume stats. Given the Chiefs' injury history, they'd do well to bring Hunt back on a modest deal, just in case Isiah Pacheco goes down again in 2025.

8. Jordan Mason , 49ers (NR)

When Christian McCaffrey was injured, Mason got a window as