The running back market has stagnated. Saquon Barkley recently signed a one-year $11m contract with the New York Giants, effectively ending any speculation of a holdout. This deal, however, does not prevent the Giants from using the franchise tag on Barkley next season. Other running backs, such as Jonathan Taylor and Nick Chubb, also face uncertain contract extensions in the future.
Running backs have been hit hard by the rise in the salary cap. Not only have the average yearly contracts decreased, but so has the value of the franchise tag. In contrast, quarterback and wide receiver salaries have soared, giving teams more leverage in long-term negotiations with running backs.
Running backs are frustrated with their current situation and have discussed the declining pay in the position. They feel trapped because their production can often lead to concerns about their long-term durability. The physical toll of being a running back has caused teams to be hesitant about committing big money to the position.
While the NFL has become more pass-oriented, running the ball is still important. However, teams are unwilling to pay top dollar for a running back in a salary-capped league that prioritizes the passing game. As a result, running backs are seeking ways to increase their value, such as becoming versatile offensive weapons or transitioning to other positions.
The NFL Players Association faces challenges in finding a quick solution to this issue. It is unlikely that a carve-out for running backs will be agreed upon, and owners are unlikely to give up the franchise tag without significant concessions. A potential solution proposed by ESPN analyst Domonique Foxworth is to allocate more of the annual bonus pool towards performance benchmarks rather than individual snap counts, with a focus on running backs.
In the long term, the running back position may see a shift similar to what happened in the NBA with centers. New players like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs have the potential to redefine the role of running backs and increase their value.
For now, running backs like Saquon Barkley are left to navigate the current market and make the most of their earning potential while they can.