(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The market in the NFL for running backs has gradually declined over the years, and right now, it seems to be at an all-time low.
Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, two of the best at the position, haven’t received adequate contract offers from the New York Giants or Las Vegas Raiders, respectively, and therefore both will have to play this upcoming season on a franchise tag.
One would think two of the most productive running backs around would easily get new contracts, but the fact that they haven’t is an indication of how bad the market is these days.
According to Dov Kleiman, via ProFootballTalk, a group of veteran running backs are communicating and trying to figure out ways to fix the market.
Update: Veteran RBs have organized a group text chain, during which they have been commiserating about the current market at the position — and brainstorming regarding strategies for improving the situation, per @ProFootballTalk
“As of Monday, the plan of action was to complain… pic.twitter.com/TsystGBwHV
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 18, 2023
The decline in the running back market has been gradually taking place for decades, as the NFL has moved away from “three yards and a cloud of dust” to today’s pass-friendly game.
Not too many recent Super Bowl winners had a bona fide star RB, as teams are throwing the ball more and more.
Another consideration is that running backs typically decline fast around age 30, while quarterbacks and wide receivers can remain productive deep into their 30s.
Perhaps one solution is for young and incoming RBs to work on their dual-threat skills, which could extend their careers and allow teams to see them as makeshift wideouts instead of old-school running backs.
But for now, running backs certainly feel undervalued and under-appreciated with what has been taking place lately around the league.
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