Oh No No: The Bears & Detriot Lions got into trouble in the 2024 NFL offseason All 32 teams’ RB situations were ahead
With free agency around the corner and the 2024 NFL Draft coming up in April, Kevin Patra assesses the running back situations of all 32 teams in the NFL. Teams are listed in alphabetical order along with the top RBs under contract for 2024, as well as key players who are not under contract for next season. Those RBs are denoted as unrestricted free agents (UFA), restricted free agents (RFA), exclusive rights free agents (ERFA), or street free agents (SFA); (void) indicates remaining years on a contract will be voided, enabling the player to become a free agent.
Top RBs under contract for 2024: James Conner, Michael Carter, Emari Demercado, Tony Jones (reserve/futures)
Key free agents: Marlon Mack (UFA)
Conner finally hit that elusive 1,000-yard campaign in Year 7 — and it took him only 13 games to get there. The Cards’ running game was noticeably different with Conner on the field. Even turning 29 in May, the RB still provides power to rip through tackles and bulldoze defenders. Conner enters the final year of his contract, but this could be one of those rare times that a short extension makes sense for both sides. Conner could get some stability heading into his 30s while the Cards get some cost-effective cap relief to use elsewhere. The injury concerns are the biggest reason for Arizona to ride out the wave. Adding a young draft pick at the position makes sense unless GM Monti Ossenfort is willing to simply figure out the backfield as he goes each year.
Top RBs under contract for 2024: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Avery Williams, Tucker Fisk (FB)
Top RBs under contract for 2024: Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, Khari Blasingame (FB)
Key free agents: D’Onta Foreman (UFA)
The Bears have gotten solid production from Herbert when healthy, and he’s able to keep the offense in good down and distances. But is he a difference-making talent? Likewise, Johnson showed flashes but didn’t see the ball enough to show if he had staying power. Johnson was the Bears’ best receiver out of the backfield, but 34 catches for 209 yards isn’t exactly ground-breaking. Chicago has bigger needs but a pass-catching back who can make the QB’s life easier is on the wish list.