Texans in Prime Position to Sign Premiere Running Back in Free Agency

Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and others are set to hit the open market, which will give the Houston Texans several options to sign a premiere running back in free agency.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Houston Texans will have several options when exploring the running back market during free agency this spring. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs will not receive a franchise tag from their respective teams, allowing them to hit free agency on March 15.

Houston will be on the pursuit for a highly sought-after running back. After the Texans' Divisional Round elimination to the Baltimore Ravens in January, coach DeMeco Ryans stated that improving Houston's rushing attack would be a "significant" priority this off-season.

Saquon Barkley of the Giants running the ball against Derek Stingley Jr. of the Texans at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 13, 2022 :: Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Barkley appears to be the headliner for a star-studded running back class. And according to several reports, he is a favorite to land with the Texans. The two-time All-Pro running back would provide Houston with an immense upgrade at the position. 

Barkley has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three out of his six seasons in the league. In 2023, he fell short of achieving the milestone by 38 yards. Barkley finished his sixth season with the New York Giants, rushing for 962 yards on 247 attempts and six touchdowns.

Barkley also possesses the versatile skills needed to be used in the passing game. Last season, he caught 46 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns.

How Much Will Texans Prioritize Signing a Running Back in Free agency?

But should the Texans miss out on signing Barkley, Jacobs will make for a significant contingency plan. 

The one-time All-Pro running back holds the same attributes as Barkley. As a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacobs is coming off a season where he rushed for 805 yards on 233 attempts while recording six touchdowns. He also registered 37 receptions for 296 yards.

The Texans will have a chance to leave free agency with one of the top two running backs. But outside of Barkley and Jacobs, there will be more options for Houston to examine. 

Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers), Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans) and Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys) are also set to become free agents. Re-signing Devin Singletary is also a solid plan for Houston. Singletary led the Texans with a career-best 898 yards and four rushing touchdowns.