(Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
Things are changing in the NFL when it comes to the running back position and how top players at the position are being compensated and taken care of over the course of their time with teams.
Instead of being one of the positions on the field that is well paid, running backs are becoming more of a mercenary position where teams are more willing to go with a rookie on a rookie deal or bring in a veteran free agent to fill the role on a short-term basis.
On Monday, three of the league’s best running backs were unable to get long-term deals done with their respective teams, with the deadline for franchise-tagged players getting new deals coming and going without new contracts agreed upon.
Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders star Josh Jacobs, and Dallas Cowboys up-and-comer Tony Pollard wanted to secure their long-term futures with lucrative contracts, but all three players were denied and will have to play next season on a franchise tag worth a little over $10 million.
In the aftermath of no deals getting made, ESPN’s Adam Schefter shed some light on this situation in the NFL, pointing out that Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns was the last elite back to secure a multi-year deal for more than $10 million a year.
With no long-term deals for Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard, the last time a RB signed a long-term contract worth $10 million or more per year was Nick Chubb in 2021 — 716 days ago.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2023
It’s a sad situation for running backs in today’s NFL, as this will almost certainly have a significant impact on how these elite players are paid moving forward, with teams unwilling to commit long-term.
It’ll be interesting to see how players react to this new norm in the NFL and whether it will forever change players’ willingness to play the position or need to get compensated like a wide receiver or tight end.
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