Running backs had already lost the positional value war; when Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs didn’t get new deals, the NFL’s best ball carriers realized it
The tough part is that I struggle to see a scenario where this market swings back positive. There is a constant supply of talented RBs from the collegiate ranks, and the NFL is going to continue to encourage rule enforcement that allows for more passing and high-flying offenses.
It sounds unethical but if I was a GM, I would run a tandem of cheap RBs, and once the rookie contract was up, I would tag one and plan to draft another in the second round. Rinse and repeat.
The reality is that paying running backs is bad team building. It shouldn’t change.
In terms of “fair”, it’s hard to evaluate that. The whole sport and the fact that they can make even a couple million a year is built on the competitive nature of the league. Paying players who add way less value and can be easily replaced less is part of that.
One thing I might do is move away from the position designations for franchise tags and fifth year options. Group WR/TE/RB together and let teams either pay the tag for a skill position or let guys find their own best situation.
The tough part is that I struggle to see a scenario where this market swings back positive. There is a constant supply of talented RBs from the collegiate ranks, and the NFL is going to continue to encourage rule enforcement that allows for more passing and high-flying offenses.
It sounds unethical but if I was a GM, I would run a tandem of cheap RBs, and once the rookie contract was up, I would tag one and plan to draft another in the second round. Rinse and repeat.
Basically the Greg Roman approach in Baltimore. Worked really well until people realized they just need to stop the run.
The reality is that paying running backs is bad team building. It shouldn’t change.
In terms of “fair”, it’s hard to evaluate that. The whole sport and the fact that they can make even a couple million a year is built on the competitive nature of the league. Paying players who add way less value and can be easily replaced less is part of that.
One thing I might do is move away from the position designations for franchise tags and fifth year options. Group WR/TE/RB together and let teams either pay the tag for a skill position or let guys find their own best situation.