The recent failure of Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard to secure long-term contracts before the NFL deadline has sparked a movement among running backs. These players, now faced with playing under the franchise tag or holding out, have ignited a conversation about the perceived devaluation of their position in the league.
Veteran running backs have reportedly formed a group chat to strategize and address the shrinking market value for their role. Their initial plan involved voicing their concerns on social media, a call to action that many players, including Barkley, quickly answered.
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, who navigated his own contract issues this offseason, expressed his support for players seeking fair compensation. He criticized the current situation for artificially devaluing a crucial position, emphasizing the difficulty of winning without a strong running game.
Titans running back Derrick Henry, approaching the final year of his contract, echoed these sentiments, questioning the value placed on dedication and hard work at the running back position. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor also contributed to the online discussion, highlighting the seeming disconnect between a running back's contributions to team success and their market value.
The issue extends beyond these three players. Several high-profile running backs, including Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, and Leonard Fournette, remain free agents as training camp approaches. The trend of prioritizing less expensive rookie contracts over veteran running backs appears to be contributing to this market shift.
Teams are finding success with rookie running backs on cost-effective contracts, like the Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco, a seventh-round pick who started in the Super Bowl. The Texans also favor their fourth-round pick Dameon Pierce, who is expected to start again in 2023.
The declining market is evident in the lack of recent high-value contracts for running backs. Nick Chubb's three-year, $36.6 million deal with the Browns in 2021 stands out as one of the last significant contracts for a running back, exceeding $10 million per season.
