2023 NFL free agency matchmaker: Proposed landing spots for Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, 10 other top RBs

In today’s NFL, the running back position isn’t necessarily a top priority. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t many big names out there that still fit. In fact, few positions have as many proven starters in 2023 as free agents. And with about a dozen clubs about to enter the market to produce entry-caliber locally, there’s a lot of activity in store for you.

With that in mind, we’ve decided to play matchmaker for some of this offseason’s best free agent defensemen and some of the most likely RB contenders in 2023. Here are the suggested seating positions for the 12 biggest names entering the market:

Suggested command: The Bears

The Giants would certainly welcome his return as a center of attack, but quarterback Daniel Jones is likely to cost a pretty penny and Chicago all kinds of money to spend as he prepares to build around Justin Fields (or other up and coming QB prospect). The Bears, who have free agency-minded defenseman David Montgomery, are built to lean on ground play. Barkley’s pairing with Fields would be just as, if not more enticing, than when the quarterback revived his explosive form alongside Jones in 2022.

Suggested command: lions

The Raiders may mark their opening breakthrough, but Josh McDaniels has relied on a committee approach before. Meanwhile, the Lions could lose Jamaal Williams with 17 touchdowns to free agents, with former second-rounder D’Andre Swift still reeling. With a decent amount of surrender at their disposal and an early draft of capital to deal with other issues, Detroit could improve their balanced offense by spending big on Jacobs, who is seen as a potential favorite of Dan Campbell for his stubborn style.

Suggested command: Dolphins

The Cowboys would like him back, but first they need to deal with the Ezekiel Elliott case. The Dolphins, on the other hand, have all but one set to hit the market, including Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson. Head coach Mike McDaniel relies on running, and Pollard is the sort of all-around weapon that can help Tua Tagovailoa — or someone under center — in many different ways, even after his own injury.

Suggested command: Panthers

Sanders loves Philadelphia, but the Eagles don’t usually shell out big money for that position, and their Super Bowl bid had more than Kenneth Gainwell. After a year as a more physical, traditional ballman, Sanders would fit in nicely in the Carolinas, where former Eagles coordinator Frank Reich is now hiring Deuce Staley, Sanders’ former coach. The Panthers still have Chuba Hubbard, but D’Onta Foreman also needs to enter the market.

Suggested command: Broncos

With the younger Khalil Herbert in tow, the Bears don’t have to pay extra for Montgomery, even with a ton of cash at their disposal. (Also, they added Saquon Barkley in this drill as a more explosive upgrade.) Denver has its own top defenseman in Javonte Williams, but is expected to be sidelined in 2023 due to a knee injury and new coach Sean . Payton would probably choose a tough, proven replacement – a guy who can handle all the little things well – to lighten Russell Wilson’s burden.