5 Best NFL Free Agent Fullbacks in 2023

It's common knowledge that the best offenses in the NFL roster standout wide receivers and running backs. It's important to note that some of those same offenses rely on a stellar fullback to assist in the rushing and passing attack as well. It remains an underrated position in today's league.

Signing or drafting a fullback is never going to be considered an exciting move, but it's a move that could help improve the offense as a whole. Front offices know that depth is vital when it comes to building a winning roster. Here's a look at the five best free agent fullbacks in the 2023 offseason.

5 Best Free Agent Fullbacks 2023

1. Derek Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers

Derek Watt encompasses everything a team wants in a starting fullback. He has been in the NFL for seven years and has played in every game of the regular season six times. The 30-year-old has also appeared in over 60% of the special teams snaps in six of his seven seasons. Watt has tallied 61 tackles across 110 games, but it's his impact in the rushing attack that stands out the most. He was handed the football on a 3rd & 1 play nine times in 2022 and converted the first down eight times. His reliability warrants a contract above the league minimum.

2. Jakob Johnson, Las Vegas Raiders

The other players on this list aren't going to have nearly the same name recognition that Watt possesses, but that doesn't mean they aren't dependable fullbacks. Just turn on the game film to see Jakob Johnson taking out linebackers and clearing spots for Josh Jacobs to run through with Las Vegas in 2022. The 28-year-old appeared in 301 offensive snaps for the Raiders (27%), while he also took on 151 specials team reps (33%). Las Vegas finished seventh in yards per rush attempt last season, which goes to show that Johnson knows how to clear a lane.

3. Keith Smith, Atlanta Falcons

Keith Smith started his NFL career as a linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys, but switched to being a fullback in 2016 and has never looked back. The 30-year-old has racked up 258 yards from scrimmage on 57 career touches (4.5-yard average) in 129 games played. Not only that, but Smith has tallied 57 tackles and forced 4 fumbles on special teams. He has made an impact on both sides of the ball for years now and even handled a few kick returns for the Atlanta Falcons these past two NFL seasons. The depth of Smith's experience is nothing to scoff at.

4. Michael Burton, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City has been a powerhouse team over the last few years and the development of players like Michael Burton is a big reason why. Burton has come to life over two seasons with the Chiefs. He tallied a career-high 8 rushing first downs in 2021 and then racked up a career-high 8 tackles in 2022. Burton is a bruiser at 6-foot, 243 pounds as 26 of his 62 career rushing yards have come after contact. Burton is on the back end of his NFL career, but he still has a few dependable years left in the tank.

5. Khari Blasingame, Chicago Bears

Khari Blasingame may be the most traditional fullback on this list. He appeared in 174 offensive snaps for the Bears in 2022, but didn't receive a single touch (1 target). That is because he was on the field to make room for running backs David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert. It's safe to say he succeeded in that aspect considering Chicago led the NFL with 177.3 rushing yards per game and 5.4 yards per rush attempt. Any team in need of improvement in the backfield should be keeping an eye on Blasingame's market.

The Duel also ranked the 10 best NFL free agents for each position group:
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Running Backs in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Wide Receivers in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Tight Ends in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Offensive Linemen in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Edge Rushers in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Linebackers in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Safeties in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Punters in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Kickers in 2023

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.