Running Backs Express Discontent with Franchise Tag Contracts
Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard, along with other running backs in the NFL, are not pleased with their current contract situations. The deadline for multi-year deals came and went, leaving these franchise-tagged players frustrated and disappointed. Even Christian McCaffrey, who holds the highest yearly average salary among running backs, voiced his concerns about the lack of long-term contracts for his peers.
McCaffrey took to social media to express his discontent, calling the situation “criminal” and highlighting the exceptional talent of Barkley, Jacobs, and Pollard. He believes they deserve better compensation for their skills and contributions to their teams.
The franchise tag for running backs in 2023 is set at $10.1 million, which falls significantly short of what these players seek. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who is currently in the final year of his rookie deal, shared his astonishment at the situation with a simple yet powerful word, “Wow.”
Later, Taylor expanded on his disappointment, highlighting the lack of respect running backs receive from teams. He expressed the belief that if a player is talented and works hard, they should be rewarded accordingly. However, he feels that this is often not the case for running backs, as they are undervalued compared to other positions.
Derrick Henry, who signed a four-year extension worth $50 million in 2020 with the Tennessee Titans, also joined in the chorus of discontent. Despite his lucrative deal, the Titans reportedly attempted to trade Henry this offseason, which only added insult to injury. Henry suggested that if running backs are not valued and compensated appropriately, the position should be removed from the game altogether.
Other running backs, such as Najee Harris and Austin Ekeler, also expressed their support for their peers seeking fair contracts. Ekeler requested a trade during the offseason but ultimately restructured his contract with additional incentives. Joe Mixon took a paycut to remain with the Bengals, while Dalvin Cook is still searching for a more favorable deal.
The dissatisfaction among running backs in the NFL is clear. They believe their contributions to their respective organizations deserve better recognition and compensation. As the league continues to navigate contract negotiations, the running back position’s value and the treatment of its players will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized.