There are few positions the Falcons don’t need to address in free agency, and this is one of them. However, there’s always value around the league, and I’m going to try to find it. If you missed my 2023 Offseason Overhaul series where I went through and spent Atlanta’s cap space in my own perfect world, those are linked below:
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Quarterback
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Running Back
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Wide Receiver
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Tight End
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Offensive Line
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Defensive Line
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: EDGE
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Linebacker
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Cornerback
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Safeties & Special Teams
I’ll be ranking these guys considering things like cost and overall scheme fit, as well as if they would be brought in as a starter or reserve. Previous editions are listed below:
Current Rostered Running Backs
This room doesn’t need a lot of turnover, but with Caleb Huntley coming off of an achilles injury, perhaps the Falcons look to go in another direction and add another back to the room in his place. Don’t expect anything crazy.
6. Trayveon Williams — Cincinnati Bengals
I don’t see the Falcons going after a Saquon Barkley or Josh Jacobs, and they probably shouldn’t. The former top recruit out of Texas A&M is only 25, so he would give Atlanta’s backfield some youth and extra pop.
2022 Stats: 6 Rushes, 30 Yards, 5 YPC
5. Benny Snell Jr. — Pittsburgh Steelers
Snell has been used sparingly by the Steelers, now led by Najee Harris. At 24 years old, he would make for a solid project back.
2022 Stats: 20 Rushes, 90 Yards, 4.5 YPC, 1 TD
4. Ronald Jones II — Kansas City Chiefs
Jones was supposed to be the future for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming out of USC, but it never worked out that way. The Georgia native is only 25, so he makes for an interesting project to see if he can click or contribute in case of injury.
2022 Stats: 17 Rushes, 70 Yards, 4.1 YPC, 1 TD
3. Boston Scott — Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles had a revolving door at running back for what seemed like forever, but Miles Sanders has taken over as the lead dawg. Scott’s another one of those change-of-pace guys, albeit much more established.
2022 Stats: 54 Rushes, 217 Yards, 4 YPC, 3 TD
2. Matt Breida — New York Giants
The former Georgia Southern Eagle turned journeyman has had a nice career in the NFL, and he has been very productive for the Giants. He would make for a fantastic third running back rotating with Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier. He would normally take the top spot, but I think he may price himself out of being what Atlanta needs right now.
2022 Stats: 54 Rushes, 220 Yards, 4.1 YPC, 1 TD
1. Justin Jackson — Detroit Lions
The second Jackson to rank number one on these big boards, joining Lamar, Justin has been fantastic for the Lions this season and may have earned himself a bigger role in 2023. However, if he’s available, he could be had for close to a minimum deal — exactly what the Falcons need. I still love his upside; he had some impressive runs this season.
2022 Stats: 42 Rushes, 170 Yards, 4 YPC, 1 TD
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Photographer: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire
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