The best NFL free agent running backs available ahead of the 2026 season

With the NFL regular season kicking off on Sept. 9, the clock is ticking for front offices to finalize their rosters. Despite the urgency of training camps, a surprising number of notable veterans remain unsigned, leaving plenty of talent on the open market—especially at the running back position.

As of Aug. 11, high-profile names like Nick Chubb and Joe Mixon, alongside former Kansas City Chiefs back Kareem Hunt, are still looking for their next opportunity. Below are the top 10 available running backs, ranked by their 2025 salary figures as provided by Spotrac.

Top Available Running Backs

1. Former Houston Texans RB
2025 Salary: $8.5 million
2025 Stats: Did not play (foot injury)

2. Former Los Angeles Chargers RB
2025 Salary: $5.25 million
2025 Stats: 15 carries for 61 yards, 3 receptions for 3 yards in 3 games

3. Former Washington Commanders RB
2025 Salary: $4.22 million
2025 Stats: 14 carries for 43 yards, 5 receptions for 38 yards in 2 games

4. Former New England Patriots RB
2025 Salary: $3.75 million
2025 Stats: 25 carries for 106 yards and 1 touchdown, 2 receptions for 6 yards in 5 games

5. Former Houston Texans RB
2025 Salary: $2.5 million
2025 Stats: 122 carries for 506 yards and 3 touchdowns, 13 receptions for 67 yards in 15 games (9 starts)

6. Former Las Vegas Raiders RB
2025 Salary: $1.6 million
2025 Stats: 22 carries for 104 yards, 12 receptions for 70 yards in 12 games

7. Former Kansas City Chiefs RB
2025 Salary: $1.5 million
2025 Stats: 163 carries for 611 yards and 8 touchdowns, 18 receptions for 143 yards and 1 touchdown in 17 games (4 starts)

8. Former Miami Dolphins RB
2025 Salary: $1.34 million
2025 Stats: Did not play (neck injury)

9. Former Dallas Cowboys RB
2025 Salary: $1.34 million
2025 Stats: 20 carries for 117 yards and 1 touchdown, 8 receptions for 30 yards in 4 games

10. Former Los Angeles Chargers/Cleveland Browns RB
2025 Salary: $1.17 million
2025 Stats: 10 carries for 36 yards, 8 receptions for 55 yards in 7 games

Beyond this list, other veteran contributors like Cam Akers, Zamir White, and Chase Edmonds are also navigating free agency. With the 2026 NFL preseason wrapping up on Aug. 29 and teams required to trim their rosters to 53 players by Aug. 30, expect these names to make quick moves before the regular season begins.