Updated Feb. 12, 2026, 2:50 p.m. ET
The 2026 NFL free agency period is less than a month away and the Atlanta Falcons have a few positions to address on both sides of the ball. Considering the team doesn’t have much salary cap space, the Falcons may be forced to find affordable replacements for some of their key contributors.
Running back Tyler Allgeier has been one of the best backups in the league over the last three seasons, but he’s likely to make more money and earn more playing time elsewhere. Keeping that in mind, we decided to take a look at some potential replacements for Allgeier in free agency.
Here are seven free-agent running back options for the Falcons in 2026.
1). RB Brian RobinsonAge: 262025 Stats: 92 carries, 400 yards, 2 TD, 8 catches, 25 yardsExpert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Robinson, a former third-round pick, could be an ideal replacement for Allgeier in free agency. While he lacks the power-rushing ability of Allgeier, Robinson has a better all-around skill set. The 26-year-old has 73 career catches for 612 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Robinson rushed for over 700 yards in each of his first three NFL seasons. Plus, as he proved last season in San Francisco, Robinson has some kick return ability that would be beneficial in Atlanta.
2). RB JK DobbinsAge: 272025 stats: 153 carries, 772 yards, 4 TD, 11 catches, 37 yards
Dobbins is wildly talented but his career has been hindered by injuries. With that said, Dobbins could give the Falcons a dangerous two-headed monster if he can stay healthy. The former second-round pick rushed for over 700 yards last season on five yards per carry for the Denver Broncos. Dobbins, 27, still has plenty of gas left in the tank. As a pass-catcher, Dobbins has 70 career catches for 367 yards and one touchdown. A one-year deal could make sense for both parties.
3). RB Isiah PachecoAge: 262025 stats: 118 carries, 462 yards, 1 TD, 19 catches, 101 yards 1 TD
Pacheco is another player whose career has been slowed by injuries, but he’s been effective when healthy. The former Kansas City Chiefs star racked up 563 all-purpose yards last season. For his career, Pacheco has rushed for 2,537 yards and 14 touchdowns, with an additional 554 receiving yards on 88 receptions. While his best days are behind him, the 26-year-old could thrive running behind Atlanta’s offensive line next season.
4). RB Rachaad WhiteAge: 272025 stats: 132 carries, 572 yards, 4 TD, 40 catches, 218 yards
What better way to get back at the Buccaneers and former Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson than by signing former Bucs running back Rachaad White? The 27-year-old’s stats and role have declined in each of the last three seasons, but he’s still a versatile back who racked up 800 all-purpose yards in 2026. For his career, White has rushed for 2,656 yards and 14 touchdowns, while adding 205 receptions for 1,450 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. White can do a lot of the same things Robinson can. His presence would give Atlanta another dynamic one-two punch in the backfield.
5). RB Nick ChubbAge: 302025 stats: 122 carries, 506 yards, 3 TD, 13 catches, 67 yards
Last but not least, former Browns running back Nick Chubb has experience with Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski. If the team is looking for a similar dynamic to the one it had with Robinson and Allgeier, Chubb would make a lot of sense. Despite injuries, Chubb still rushed for over 500 yards last season for the Houston Texans. His days as a lead back are over, but he can still provide value and get those tough yards the way Allgeier has in recent years.
6). RB A.J. DillonAge: 272025 stats: 12 carries, 60 yards, 3 catches, 21 yards
Dillon has less upside that some of the either backs on this list. The former second-round pick has never established himself as lead back, but he’s consistently provided value when healthy over the last five seasons. The 27-year-old has rushed for 2,488 yards and 16 touchdowns since entering the league in 2020. Plus, Dillon also has 89 career receptions and 784 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
7). RB Miles SandersAge: 282025 stats: 20 carries, 117 yards, 1 TD, 8 catches, 30 yards
Sanders spent last season in Dallas and suffered a season-ending injury early in the year. He’s not the flashiest name on this list, as his best days are clearly behind him, but in the right role, Sanders could provide depth behind Bijan Robinson. For his career, Sanders has rushed for 4,462 yards and 24 touchdowns, adding 183 catches for 1,274 yards and four touchdowns.
