Top Five 2024 CFL Free-Agent Running Backs

With plenty of talent coming out of the backfield on offense in free agency, there should be a variety of good running backs to sign for 2024.

Entering the 2024 free agency period for the CFL, five of the top ten leading rushers in the CFL this past season are available for other teams to sign. Three of those running backs rushed for over 1,000 yards on the season making it more appealing for teams to evaluate for additions.

The CFL’s website lists its top 30 free agents available in 2024. Three running backs showed up on the list. This shouldn’t deceive fans from knowing there are plenty of starting caliber running backs ready for other teams to bring to their organization.

Here is a list of the top five free agent running backs available going into February’s free-agency period.

Top Five CFL Free Agent Running Backs

Breaking Down Best Available RBs (Previous Team)

5. Jamal Morrow (Saskatchewan Roughriders)

The Saskatchewan Roughriders gave Jamal Morrow the lead back role in 2023 and made the most of it. Morrow finished with 907 rushing yards and four scores, while adding 349 receiving yards and one touchdown. Now entering his fourth year in the CFL, Morrow is starting to hit his stride and has a chance to be a 1,000-yard rusher in 2024.

4. Devonte Williams (Ottawa Redblacks)

In Year 2 in the CFL, Devonte Williams showed his explosiveness and had a breakout season for the Ottawa Redblacks. Williams finished fifth in the league in rushing yards with 1,003, being one of only five players to rush for over 1,000 yards. The Redblacks have three running backs entering free agency and it should be safe to assume they will try to bring Williams back. He will have suitors who could go after him with the other top backs Brady Oliveira, AJ Ouellette and Stanback more than likely staying put on their teams.

3. William Stanback (Montreal Alouettes)

While William Stanback did not reach the similar numbers he did in 2019 and 2021, it did feel like a big bounce back season for him. After playing just five games in 2022 with his ankle injury, Stanback rushed for 800 yards and two scores, while adding 241 receiving yards and one touchdown. Even with Stanback slowing coming back to form, his Grey Cup title touchdown should ensure that he still has plenty in the tank.

2. AJ Ouellette (Toronto Argonauts)

One of the hardest runners in the CFL, AJ Ouellette finally got out of Andrew Harris’ shadow in 2023 after and took advantage of the opportunity. Ouellette finished fourth in the CFL with 1,009 rushing yards, with eight touchdowns. He was named a CFL East All-Star for the second straight season. Toronto will be pursuing hard for Ouellette as Harris is also a free agent, so expect the Argos to battle hard to bring Ouellette back.

1. Brady Oliveira (Winnipeg Blue Bombers)

Since first stepping on a CFL field in 2021, Brady Oliveira has been special. He proved that last season with his second consecutive 1,000-yard season leading the CFL with 1,534 yards. He also rushed for a league-high nine touchdowns, while adding 482 receiving yards and four touchdowns. While the 2023 CFL’s Most Outstanding Player is looking at potential NFL opportunities, he was ranked as the No. 1 on CFL.ca’s top 30 free agents in 2024, so everyone will be going after him, including his current team Winnipeg.

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