If there is one thing that is clear, it is that the NFL running back market needs to change. There are now three players who will be stuck on the franchise tag in the 2023 season, and they are Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, and Josh Jacobs. These three had until July 17th to agree to a contract extension, but it never got done. Now the three will be stuck playing on the franchise tag, which has stirred up a lot of debate on social media. Here is a look at what is going on with the running back market, why teams will not give them a big contract, and everything else involving this issue.
Current Running Back Market Situation
As stated, Barkley, Pollard, and Jacobs are three running backs who are stuck on the franchise tag in 2023. This position puts their body on the line every game. Every position in football is dangerous, but this one, in particular, has to run through numerous defensive players multiple times every game. These players retire younger than most of the other positions as well. Many running backs play as a receiver as well, such as Christian McCaffrey. Players who do not have the best passing game, these athletes become the offense.
Giants RB Saquon Barkley (26) – AP Photo/Alastair Grant
If the New York Giants did not have Barkley in 2022, they may have never made the playoffs. Yes, the team had other players on their roster that could hold their own, but Barkley is the most important player on the offense. He is just 26 years old, and if he were in any other position, he would be earning big-time money.
In 2022, Barkley rushed for 1,312 yards and ten touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. He also had 338 receiving yards. Barkley is now expected to sit out of training camp, and who knows if fans will see him on the field in week one. It is a shame that Barkley is not the only example in 2023 of what the running back market in the NFL needs to change.
Jacobs and the Las Vegas Raiders could not get a deal done either. He is only 25 and had a fantastic 2022 season. The Raiders were not a top team last season, but Jacobs was a Pro Bowler. In 2022, Jacobs rushed for 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. He also had 400 receiving yards. He did not get the contract he deserves, and who knows what will happen in the 2023 season for Jacobs and the Raiders.
The final big-name player that caused this debate about the running back market is Pollard. He was unable to get a deal done with the Dallas Cowboys despite the way the 2022 season went for him. In trend with the other two players, Pollard is just 26 years old, which would be considered the prime age if he were any other player. In 2022, Pollard rushed for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. He also had 371 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The Cowboys did not re-sign Ezekiel Elliot either, demonstrating an issue with the running back market.
Cowboys RB Tony Pollard (20) – Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports
Why Teams Will Not Give Out Big Contracts
The NFL’s front office has a fear of paying their running backs. These players have shorter careers due to their injuries. With feeling as though the position gets injured easily, the teams do not want to play some of their best players. One player that is important to evaluate is Christian McCaffrey. He was known as a great player who was always injured. Injuries are frustrating when teams put the money into their players, but McCaffrey is a difference-maker on the field.
When McCaffrey signed his deal, it was with the Carolina Panthers, and it was a four-year, $64 million deal. This is a yearly salary of around $16 million. McCaffrey signed this deal ahead of the 2020 season. He played in three games in 2020 and seven in 2021. He almost fell into one of these players who got the contract, then got hurt.
In 2022, between the Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers, he played in every game. The 49ers have a strong enough offense that he did not have to be the entire team, which helped him stay healthier. Now, people would argue that he is worth $16 million a year.
Another player to look at is Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans. Most NFL fans would agree he is worth the money he is being paid. Henry also signed a contract extension in 2020. His average salary is $12.5 million. It is not as high as McCaffrey’s, but no one can say Henry is not a crucial part of the Titans’ offense. If Henry were a wide receiver, thus not involved with the running back market, he would be being paid a lot more money than he currently is.
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey – Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo
Of course, these are just two examples of great players who make a difference on their teams. The teams are focused on the chances that running backs get injured, and they no longer value the importance they are to the team. The front offices focus on the examples of running backs who signed big contracts and then got hurt, as opposed to the importance of the team, which affects the running back market.
Does the Running Back Market Need to Change?
On the franchise tag, running backs are paid just over $10 million. Now that the deadline passed, these players are stuck on the tag now this year and can no longer negotiate an extension. If this position gets hurt the most, they most likely need to job security of a good contract. On the other hand, why would a team put in money for a position that gets hurt the most? Well, the position is one of the most important parts of the offense, yet their franchise tag is the lowest of every offensive position. There is an issue with the running back market.
No one is arguing that running backs do not get hurt easier than other positions; it is known as the most injury-prone position. That does not mean that this running back market is okay. These players can lose their jobs at any moment. If many play as a receiver as well, they should be paid hire. Many of these players are the stars of their offense. Not every team needs the top running back, but some players are the heartbeat of the offenses. They should be paid as such.
Numerous players have expressed their frustrations about the current running back market. McCaffrey on Twitter called the three players not being able to get the deal done “criminal.” Henry went to Twitter to say, “Just take the RB position out of the game then.” It should also be known that the Los Angeles Chargers running back, Austin Ekeler, wants to hear from the NFL owners why the NFL market is the way it is.
There are clearly frustrations, whether it be the fans who now may not be able to watch their favorite players and athletes as a whole angry about the running back market. While there will be people who agree with the front offices, at the end of the day, teams should pay the players what they deserve, without basing it too much on the specific position.
