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

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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Duke Johnson. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

6. Duke Johnson (Released by Houston Texans)

A year ago when the team was busy winning its fourth AFC South title in five years, the former member of the Cleveland Browns (2015-18) teamed with physical Carlos Hyde and spearheaded the league’s ninth-ranked ground game in 2019. And while Duke Johnson has been more known for his receiving skills, he has certainly proven to be more than just a one-dimensional performer.

This past season saw him miss games for the first time in his six-year NFL career. But in 2019, he ran for a career-best 410 yards and finished with 820 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns with Houston. Johnson has amassed a combined 4,760 yards rushing and receiving and totaled 20 touchdowns.

5. Todd Gurley (Atlanta Falcons)

Will any team ever again see the form that the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft displayed for two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams? That organization opted to part ways with running back Todd Gurley last offseason and latched on with the Atlanta Falcons. But he comes off an underwhelming year with a team that finished 27th in the league in rushing yards per game.

In any case, the former Georgia standout proved this past season that he still knows his way to the end zone, tying for the team lead with nine touchdowns. Gurley has played in a total of 88 regular-season contests, totaling 8,336 yards from scrimmage while making 79 trips to the end zone.

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