Free Agent Preview: Running Backs and Wide Recievers

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March 6, 2026

by David Earl

Washington Skill Position Need Upgrade

The offense took some significant dips in the 2025 season. They scored 8 points less per game average with a 5.6 point differential per game this season compared to a 4 point differential in the 2024 season. The play at the quarterback position also took a significant hit, with far less passes completed while dropping from a 101.8 quarterback rating in the 2024 season to an 85.5 rating this season, which is a -16.3-point change. Compare the 2024 season versus the 2025 season offensively:

2024 Season Offensive Rank

  • Ranked 6th in points per game at 28.8
  • Ranked 10th average point differential margin per game at +4.0
  • Ranked 10th in yards per play at 5.7
  • Ranked 6th at yards per rush at 4.8 yards
  • Ranked 6th in completion percentage, at 68.91%
  • Ranked 7th in quarterback rating, at 101.8
  • Ranked 28th in pass play percentage of 60.05%

2025 Season Offensive Rank

  • Ranked 22nd in points per game at 20.9
  • Ranked 27th average point differential margin per game at -5.6
  • Ranked 12th in yards per play at 5.5
  • Ranked 5th at yards per rush at 4.7 yards
  • Ranked 26th in completion percentage, at 61.19%
  • Ranked 27th in quarterback rating, at 85.5
  • Ranked 29th in pass play percentage of 57.7%

Heading into this off-season Washington must add explosive and true game impactful players. Where best to start than a running game that was very inconsistent? thus names like Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne Jr. make the most sense. While Walker will lead the list on many fans wish list, and is a great option, but Etienne’s versatility probably offers the most versatile option. Also, Adam Peters has got to finally get Terry McLaurin a true weapon opposite him and a guy who can stretch the field like Alec Pierce or Rashid Shaheed. My personal favorite on this list is Wan’Dale Robinson, who is a true slot wide receiver who is a great volume player but has also shown a true vertical game last season.

Running Backs

The class offers immediate impact for contenders or teams rebuilding, with several backs capable of elevating an offense in the right scheme. This is one of the strongest and deepest in recent years, featuring several young, explosive, high-upside backs entering (or in) their primes as unrestricted free agents when the new league year begins on March 11th. This group stands out for its blend of big-play ability, versatility (rushing + receiving), and relatively low career mileage at the top.

Kenneth Walker III (Seattle Seahawks, age 25)

  • Summary: Super Bowl LX MVP after a dominant playoff run (totaling 27 carries for 135 yards in the Super Bowl). Regular season: 221 carries, 1,027 rushing yards (4.6 YPC), 5 TDs; 31 receptions for 282 yards. Explosive big-play runner with low mileage and elite burst—widely viewed as the top prize.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $9.0 million

Travis Etienne Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars, age 27)

  • Summary: Consistent multi-year producer with improved red-zone efficiency and receiving. Multiple seasons of 1,399+ scrimmage yards; ranked top-10 in 20+ and 40+ yard rushes in recent data. Strong all-around fit for tandems or lead roles.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $6.8 million

Rico Dowdle (Carolina Panthers, age 28)

  • Summary: Back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher (including 1,076 yards in 2025). Efficient volume back with 26 carries of 10+ yards in 2025 plus has a reliability and healthy option. Had a career-high in receiving yards (297) surpassing his 249 yards in 2024 with DAL, helping boost his overall scrimmage production to over 1,300 yards (1,076 rush + 297 rec).
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $6.5 million

Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons, age 25)

  • Summary: Reliable power back with strong per-carry efficiency with a 4.3 yards per carry average in his career. Lower wear from committee usage thus making him an appealing option as a starter or high-end complement.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $5.7 million

Kenneth Gainwell (Pittsburgh Steelers, age 27)

  • Summary: Excels as a passing-down specialist (elite blocking/receiving)—underrated versatility makes him a valuable third-down/rotational piece. His total scrimmage yards1,023 yards from scrimmage on 187 touches total plus 8 total touchdowns.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $3.0 million

Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, age 27)

  • Summary: Dual-threat prior to a down 2025  with 572 yards rushing averaging 4.3 yards per carry and 40 receptions off 45 targets totaling 218 yards. Along side his total scrimmage yards of 790 yards and 4 total TDs, White is a solid blocker as well.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $3.0 million

Honorable Mentions: Isaiah Pacheco (age 27), Najee Harris (age 28), JK Dobbins (age 27)

Wide Receivers

The group stands out for explosive vertical threats, reliable red-zone producers, versatile slot/hybrid options, and veterans with proven track records—offering strong WR2/3 or high-end complementary fits rather than multiple game-changers. While Alec Pierce emerges as the clear consensus #1 available wide receiver after a breakout 2025 season, Rashid Shaheed is probably the most explosive all around player here who is a true game changer.

Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts, age 26)

  • Summary: Season total 47 rec, 1,003 yds (21.3 YPC), 6 TD. Breakout deep threat with elite vertical stretch; rare big-play consistency makes him the consensus top available WR.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $20.3 million

Jauan Jennings (San Francisco 49ers, age 29)

  • Summary: Season total 55 rec, 643 yds, 9 TD. Red-zone/red-zone specialist and contested-catch winner as gives one of the top value in class for TD production.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $22.6 million

Wan’Dale Robinson (New York Giants, age 25)

  • Summary: Season total 92 rec, 1,014 yds (11.0 YPC), 4 TD. Slot/hybrid all-purpose type wide receiver with back-to-back strong seasons. He added a good vertical element to his game averaging 11 yards per reception.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $17.7 million

Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, age 33)

  • Summary: Season total 30 rec, 383 yds, 3 TD (8 games; injuries limited him). Great boundary X-receiver and red-zone threat but certainly concerned he’s past his prime. More suitable for a ready made contender.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $13.3 million

Rashid Shaheed (Seattle Seahawks, age 28)

  • Summary: Season total 59 rec, 687 yds, 2 TD. Explosive speedster with return ability (786 yards combined kick and punt with 2 return TDs) as he was consistent big plays in vertical/return game.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $14.1 million.

Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers, age 26)

  • Summary: Season total 55 rec, 724 yds (13.2 YPC), 6 TD. Excellent route-runner and red-zone target with explosive vertical potential.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $12.0 million

Keenan Allen (Los Angeles Chargers, age 34)

  • Summary: Season total 81 rec, 777 yds, 4 TD. Veteran possession/route technician while has a reliable volume producer.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $6.8 million

Honorable Mention: Tyreek Hill (age 32), Deebo Samuel (age 30), Christian Kirk (age 29), Jalen Nailor (age27), Greg Dortch (age 28) and Kendrick Bourne (age 31)

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