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NFL Free Agency 2021: Ranking the 10 best running backs available

By Russell S. Baxter

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 24: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field on January 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 24: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field on January 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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NFL Free Agency 2021
Adrian Peterson. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

A lot of talent will be available in regards to the running back position when it comes to the 2021 NFL free agency class. 

The league’s new fiscal year begins on March 17 and, with it, so too begins the heart of 2021 NFL free agency. It should also be noted that the legal tampering period for negotiations begins two days prior on March 15.

And while some teams may want to bolster their backfields with rookies, there is any number of quality running backs that will hit the open market. Moreover, a few are already available to be signed.

Pro Football Focus (subscription required) has its overall rankings but here are the 10 top players at running back who will be available in 2021 NFL free agency at a variety of prices.

10. Adrian Peterson (Detroit Lions)

Frank Gore (also a potential free agent) isn’t the only ageless running back in the NFL these days. Adrian Peterson continues to perform with power and comes off a solid year with the Detroit Lions. While he couldn’t help the team avoid another last-place finish, he led the franchise with 604 yards on 156 carries and ran for seven scores.

That’s pretty impressive considering the team has used second-round picks on running backs Kerryon Johnson (2018) and D’Andre Swift (2020). The relentless 14-year pro remains in fifth place with 14,820 yards rushing, just 449 yards of tying Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (15,269) for fourth place on one of the NFL’s most prestigious list.

9. James White (New England Patriots)

Was it that long ago that this versatile performer was putting up big postseason numbers for Bill Belichick’s team? James White has shown his skills as a runner but his forte remains the passing game. The 2014 fourth-round pick from Wisconsin has totaled 678 touches from scrimmage and has more receptions (369) than rushing attempts.

While he ran for only 121 yards and two scores in 2020, he was the team’s second-leading pass-catcher with 49 grabs – good for 375 yards and one touchdown. White has also played in 12 postseason games with the Patriots, rolling up 652 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns — a combined four scores in Super Bowls LI and LII.

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