Running Backs Deserve to Get Paid

Last week the Giants failed to sign Saquon Barkley to a long term deal and the Raiders did the same with their running back, Josh Jacobs. Tony Pollard wasn't given a long term deal, Melvin Gordon just signed a one year contract, Rashaad Penny got a one year deal coming off a broken leg, Jamaal Williams is on another new team yet again and  players like Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook remained unsigned.

This is not a good look for this position, once one of the more important positions in all of football. I watch Michigan, obviously, and they have two very good running backs. But I fear for them when/if they make it to the NFL. When guys like Barkley and Jacobs can go unsigned, and you read an anonymous GM saying "I'd rather draft a rookie running back and let them walk after their rookie contract than give them big money", that spells trouble. The fact that the people who run these teams, who have final say on contracts, are just willing to let them walk, that is a scary proposition for this position.

I think running backs are crucial to football. They open up the passing game. They can help to chew clock. They get tough yardage when needed. Most can catch the ball out of the backfield. But the higher ups within NFL teams are willing to move on after five short years. That is wild. When Ezekial Elliot was drafted by the Cowboys he was the answer. Behind that o line, he was going to be great. And he was for a few years, got paid and was just cut this offseason. He is only in his late 20's. Dalvin Cook, who is oft injured, was critical to the Vikings winning that division last season. He would rip off big runs more often than any other NFL running back. He might be the most explosive running back in the NFL. The Vikings cut him this offseason and he is still looking for a team. Leonard Fournette was integral to the Buccaneers winning the 2020 Super Bowl. Now he cannot find a team to give him a meager deal. Jamaal Williams was close to a touchdown record for running backs last season and the Lions responded by drafting a running back in the top 15 and telling Williams thanks for everything and good luck.

It is nuts the way running backs are treated in the NFL. Every other position player's salary has gone up. From QB, to receiver to tight ends to o line, they are all getting paid more money than ever. Even d lineman are getting massive deals. But running backs are kind of kicked aside and pushed away for a younger player that can get beat up and the cycle continues. It is vicious. Aaron Jones was an all pro with the Packers. They drafted AJ Dillon to thank Jones for all his success. Damien Harris was the Patriots dude after Tom Brady left. I don't know if he is in the league anymore. Tony Pollard slid right into Elliot's place and the Cowboys didn't miss a beat. He can't get a deal. Saquon Barkley has been everything the Giants wanted when they drafted him fourth overall, and we all know what happened with him. Josh Jacobs is the best offensive player on the Raiders, but Josh McDaniels thinks he is some kind of passing guru and he has no qualms over letting Jacobs sit out and leave.

This is an unfair era for this crucial position. Running backs are being forgotten, and that stinks. I miss the days of Barry Sanders, LaDanian Tomlinson and Christian Okoye. That was when the NFL was best. The NFL is far, far away from that right now, and it bums me out. Pay these guys. They have earned it. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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