(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The NFL has quickly evolved into a quarterback-centric league.
While this has led to more passing attempts, it has also put a damper on the running back position.
Teams have started a trend of either refusing to sign running backs to a contract extension or paying them less than they desire.
Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, and Austin Ekeler are just three recent examples of players that are coming off a great season but have found themselves in this difficult spot.
In a recent episode of PFF’s NFL Podcast, Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson highlighted the current state of the position.
When it comes to getting paid, running backs are in a tough spot.@PFF_Steve | @PFF_Sam pic.twitter.com/ZXGLuJ99ZF
— PFF NFL Podcast (@PFFNFLPod) July 17, 2023
Both analysts have an understanding that this doesn’t generally happen to other positions.
Wide receivers, quarterbacks, and even tight ends are routinely given two to five-year contracts, which seemingly get bigger each season.
There is a massive disconnect between these franchises and the running backs.
Now, this lack of compensation isn’t to say that the position isn’t important.
Despite not getting many contract extensions, running backs still hold a vital role on their teams.
They help set up the pass and allow their quarterbacks to get the passing game moving efficiently.
If elite running backs keep getting passed over for younger, less-expensive options, how will this transform the position moving forward?
As Palazzolo and Monson illustrate, this problem doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
The post Analyst Details The Contract Challenges Running Backs Are Facing appeared first on The Cold Wire.