4 FA running backs Jaguars can sign in 2022 to bolster depth

Running back James Robinson has been one of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ most important players since they signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2020. That’s why it was devastating to see him suffer an ankle injury during their Week 16 loss to the New York Jets. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported Robinson suffered a torn Achilles and interim head coach Darrell Bevell confirmed the bad news when he met with the local media after the game.

Dare Ogunbowale stepped in Robinson’s place and finished the game and will likely start the following two games. These aren’t uncharted waters for Ogunbowale. He also subbed in for Robinson in the last two weeks of the 2020 season and went on to register 28 carries for 121 yards. While Ounbowale is a solid short-term fix for the remainder of the season, running back has suddenly become a need with both Robinson and rookie Travis Etienne suffering serious injuries in 2021.

Running back isn’t a position team should spend a premium on but the Jaguars can’t neglect it either. They need to have insurance in case either Robinson or Etienne isn’t 100 percent by the start of the 2022 season and they will have around $71 million in cap space, per Spotrac. The Jags can surely put some money aside and sign a veteran that can step in a featured role if needed.

Here are four free-agent running back options in 20222 the Jaguars should consider in lieu of Robinson’s injury.