Free Agency 2022- Running Backs

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March 10, 2022

by David Earl

J. D. McKissic is Testing the Market

With Martin Mayhew allowing J.D. McKissic to test the free agency market, we can almost be assured he’s gone. His value in the open market should be fairly strong, and with Washington’s focus on a franchise quarterback and a long-term deal for Terry McLaurin, the money just may not be there to bring him back. For as much as the fans want him back, there is value to be had, depending on how the coaching staff feels about Jaret Patterson and his potential role.

The Top to the Bottom:

Leonard Fournette

  • 6′ 0″, 228 lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary $6.1 million
  • Averaged 4.5 ypc with 69 receptions
  • Quick Hit: Fournette tops this list as he’s shown very solid hands at this stage of his career while giving a tough short yardage presence. He wouldn’t make the offense too predictable when in for the relief of Gibson.

Cordarrelle Patterson

  • 6’2″, 220lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary $9.1 million
  • Averaged 4.0ypc with 52 receptions
  • Quick Hit: At number 2 because of how dynamic and versatile of a player he’s has become late in his career. A converted wide receiver, he became a true weapon at multiple positions (including special teams) but his salary could prove too much. Unless they don’t intend to bring back DeAndre Carter, the staff could use him in a Deebo Samuel type role.

Melvin Gordon III

  • 6’1″, 215lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary $5.2 million
  • Averaged 4.5ypc and 10 total TD’s
  • Quick Hit: Although he’s shown capable of catching the ball with 58 and 50 receptions (2017 and 2018 respectively), Gordon is more of a thumper between the tackles. This type of signing shows the role Jaret Patterson may be used for, as the team can add a reliable veteran runner for the tough yards while being capable of 15-18 carries a game.

James Conner

  • 6’1″, 233lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary $5.9 million
  • Averaged 3.7ypc with 37 receptions in six starts
  • Quick Hit: Conner is certainly productive in the passing game and his 18 total TDs last season was impressive. His 3.7 yards per carry production may be more of an anomaly as he averaged 4.3 yards per carry the previous 4 seasons, despite not being blessed with offensive lines in Arizona. He will probably look for a long term deal to start so Washington will most likely be out on Conner.

Rashaad Penny

  • 5’11”, 220lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary unknown
  • Averaged 6.3 ypc with 6 starts
  • Quick Hit: Penny may be the most intriguing option here. After a slow start to his career, he finally started to show his ability down the stretch of the 2022 season. He’s a home run threat who offers great burst and speed to bounce any run outside, but also carries a bruiser of a body frame for in between the tackles runs. Seattle may not want to invest in a long-term deal with him so a reasonable prove it deal could be ideal for Washington here with Penny’s upside. As a bonus, if Gibson doesn’t work out here, Penny could end up being the long-term answer too.

Sony Michel

  • 5’11”, 215lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary $5 million
  • Averaged 4.1 ypc
  • Quick Hit: This may be a bit high for Michel but I went with a pure potential return on investment. A hard-nose shifty runner out of Georgia, Michel showed flashes of what he’s capable of down the stretch as the Rams starter, going over 120 yards rushing twice plus a 92-yard permanence averaging 5.11 yards per carry in week 15. He’s very good on blitz pickups and a strong vocal leader in the locker room, and could be a solid vet to the running back room.

Chase Edmonds

  • 5’9″, 210lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary $5.2 million
  • Averaged 5.1 ypc with 43 receptions
  • Quick Hit: Edmond’s injury history is the only reason he is this low. The talent is there and what he could add to Washington’s run and the passing game would more than replace what McKissic did for this team. His market in free agency might be the most intriguing about him. Will a team ignore his inconsistent availability and give him an above modest deal on talent alone or will he seek a prove-it type deal that Washington could provide?

Wild Card Names:

Brandon Bolden

  • 5’11”, 220lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary unknown
  • Career 4.6 ypc average with 41 receptions last season
  • Quick Hit: At the age of 32, he isn’t in the market for a starting role but he showed last season that he can be more than just a special teams ace. His 41 receptions were the most of his career, and he can contribute in a 3rd down role.

Boston Scott

  • 5’6″, 203lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary unknown
  • Averaged 4.3 ypc with 13 receptions in 4 starts
  • Quick Hit: He’s an undersized running back who wouldn’t totally replace McKissic, obviously, but could absolutely electric every time he touches the ball. He has a low center of gravity with the ability to disappear behind the big bodies up front. Scott is a utility role player who can take it to the house anytime he touches the ball.

D’Ernest Johnson

  • 5’10”, 208lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary $2.6 million
  • Averaged 5.3 ypc
  • Quick Hit: In his 2 starts for Cleveland, Johnson rushed for 245 yards (5.9ypc) and hauled in 9 receptions while showing a quick burst off his first move. He’s another undersized running back here that could add good depth and a viable special teams player.

Notable Mentions:

Ronald Jones II

  • 5’11”, 208lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary $2.7 million
  • Averaged 4.2ypc

Jalen Richard

  • 5’8″, 207lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary unknown
  • Career 5.0ypc average and 191 receptions

Marlon Mack

  • 6’0″, 210lbs
  • Projected 2022 salary $2.5 million
  • Career 4.4ypc average and 2019 1,000 yard season

The Rest: These remaining names come with age and/or injury concerns

 

Projected 2022 salaries calculated by Spotrac: https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/running-back/