Best NFL running back trade candidates, free agents for 3 teams that need another RB

Wednesday in the National Football League began with word that several teams were looking for help at wide receiver. By day’s end, the San Francisco 49ers had traded for Skyy Moore, and the New Orleans Saints added Devaughn Vele in a deal with the Denver Broncos.

Could today be running back day in the league?

According to a report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic, three teams — the Saints, the Cleveland Browns, and the Kansas City Chiefs — are “making calls in search of running back additions.”

The Browns are an interesting team to be making such calls. Cleveland drafted a pair of running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft, Quinshon Judkins in the second round and Dylan Sampson in the fourth, and they also added an undrafted free agent in Nevada’s Toa Taua. Factor in veterans such as Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr., and one might think the Browns have enough options already. But with Judkins unsigned due to an ongoing NFL investigation into allegations of domestic violence, Cleveland might be pressed to make a move.

The Saints are … interesting period. Despite questions all over their roster they added Vele yesterday, and are now reportedly looking at running backs. But they do have some questions at RB as well, behind Alvin Kamara.

As for the Chiefs, Isiah Pacheco leads the way along with veteran Kareem Hunt, and seventh-round draft pick Brashard Smith could carve out a role for himself with how he has performed in camp to date. But Andy Reid and company would love to have another option in that room.

Here is who might be available.

Brian Robinson, Washington Commanders

Earlier this month, Robinson was listed as a potential trade candidate in several media reports, and he was held out of Washington’s second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals as the team reportedly explores trade options. The emergence of rookie seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a big reason why Robinson could be available in a deal, as Croskey-Merritt has earned high marks during camp.

And with Robinson entering the final year of his rookie contract, this might be the ideal time for Washington to make a move.

Tank Bigsby/Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

These two college football standouts are vying for the role as the lead back in Liam Coen’s offense.

But with Jacksonville adding a pair of rookies in the draft (Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round and LeQuint Allen Jr. in the seventh), who are earning rave reviews during training camp, the window could be open for moving one of the top two backs. As noted in this piece from The Florida Times-Union, moving Bigsby might make the most sense. He’s young — Bigsby will turn 24 at the end of August — has just 218 rushing attempts in the NFL, and has two years left on his current contract.

Those might also be reasons for Jacksonville to keep him and move on from Etienne.

Devin Singletary, New York Giants

This might come down to just how much Brian Daboll trusts Cam Skattebo. But if the fourth-round selection out of Arizona State gets back to speed after missing some time during training camp, he will give Daboll a solid option along with projected starter Tyrone Tracy Jr.

If so, that could make Singletary the odd player out in that backfield, if the price is right for the Giants. But Singletary is healthy this season, unlike a year ago, and his presence as a veteran in a running back room filled with younger players could make him more valuable in New York beyond his production.

Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos added R.J. Harvey in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, pairing him with veteran J.K. Dobbins, who was signed by the team in June.

There is the potential that Denver keeps four running backs, as posited by our friends over at Mile High Report. Based on preseason usage and snap counts, the Broncos’ depth chart appears to be Harvey and Dobbins, followed by Tyler Badie and then McLaughlin. But if Denver is leaning toward keeping just three running backs, they might move McLaughlin sooner rather than later.

Roschon Johnson/Ian Wheeler, Chicago Bears

This is similar to the situation in Jacksonville, albeit at the other end of the depth chart.

D’Andre Swift is the clear starter for Ben Johnson, evidenced by the fact he sat out Chicago’s first two preseason games. Rookie Kyle Monangai has emerged as perhaps the best option behind Swift, as the seventh-round pick earned high praise from general manager Ryan Poles this month:

As for the other options, Roschon Johnson has been dealing with a foot injury, and second-year back Ian Wheeler led the Bears with 80 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns in their second preseason game. If that production has earned him a roster spot, Johnson might be an option for the Bears to move in a deal.

As far as free agent options go … there is not much to choose from.

Here is a list of current free agents available at running back, courtesy of Spotrac:

Those players are indeed options for teams looking for help at running back.