5 Free Agent RBs Jim Harbaugh Could Target Without Breaking a Bank as Saquon Barkley’s Move to Chargers End in Jeopardy

Saquon Barkley is still under the confusion of whether to hold hands with Jim Harbaugh or to prove his loyalty by staying with the New York Giants. His hefty salary demands will clash with the Los Angeles Chargers’ salary cap situation amounting to $255.4 million.

In such a scenario, Harbaugh has set his eyes on the top 5 free agents’ running back options who will align with their financial situation. 

Reliability in the untapped potential of Gus Edwards

A familiar face from Greg Roman’s tenure in the Baltimore Ravens, Edwards has stolen the attention of the Chargers. Even though he has never assumed the bell-cow role, the running back has remained consistent through his five seasons in the league. Maintaining an impressive 5 yards per carry in four seasons and exhibiting his knack for at least 700 yards, the 29-year-old Edwards will add to the Chargers’ backfield. He also boasts a record of 13 touchdowns and 810 yards in the past season. 

Antonio Gibson’s prospect in Chargers’ squad

Once a focal point of Washington Commanders’ offense, Antonio Gibson finds himself in Harbaugh’s radar. The player brings a fine blend of power and versatility to the table, just two years removed from a 1035-yard rushing season. The drafting of Brian Robinson did have an impact on Gibson. Expecting a 2-year contract with an average of $3,75 million per year makes him a budget-friendly option for Los Angeles. Along with this, the player’s injury-free history also makes him an attractive prospect.  

AJ Dillon being the young powerhouse

Dillon is the running back who has played for the Green Bay Packers. Younger and healthier, the player will be ushering in power and durability at the age of 26. Even though he may be lacking in breakaway speed, the running back ensures to compensate for it with his uncanny ability to shed tackles.

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Interestingly, he expects a two-year contract ranging at an average of $3.25 million per year that perfectly aligns with the Chargers’ strategy in finding a cost-effective solution for the backfield. 

Josh Jacobs, the peak performer

Even though it is likely that Jacobs will land in the Dallas Cowboys, in case the situation turns, his versatility and playmaking abilities will benefit the Chargers. At the age of 26, with several productive years still left in the tank, Jacobs is likely to be in his peak performance. Being subjected to a rough patch, resulting from the workload-intensive season, he will be one of the talented backs that Harbaugh can acquire on a low budget.    

D’Andre Swift and his swift rise to prominence

Spending his initial years with the Detroit Lions, Swift has earned the spotlight by acquiring his first Pro Bowl nod in 2023. He has also exhibited his versatility by setting a record with 1049 rushing yards and 214 receiving yards in a total of 16 games. Besides, Swift possesses the ability to impact passing games and move chains which makes him an economical option for Harbaugh’s Chargers.  

Fans are eager to witness how Jim Harbaugh strategizes his policies to acquire the best fit for the Chargers aligning with every criterion. Who according to you will be the perfect addition for Los Angeles? Do drop in your suggestions.

Also Read: Michigan’s Record-Breaking NFL Combine Attendance Puts Wolverines in Detroit Lions’ Spotlight With 7 Picks in the 2024 Draft