The state of the NFL running back market has sparked intense debate in recent weeks. High-profile running backs such as Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, and Josh Jacobs have been unable to secure long-term, lucrative contracts this offseason. As training camp approaches for most teams, these players remain under the franchise tag. Additionally, Dalvin Cook, a four-time Pro Bowler, is still a free agent, and Kareem Hunt, a veteran ball carrier, is searching for a new team.
Amidst the downturn in the market, JC Tretter, the President of the NFL Players Association, has offered some intriguing advice to the frustrated running backs. During a recent appearance on the “Ross Tucker Football Podcast,” Tretter suggested that running backs should claim they are less than 100 percent healthy in order to increase their leverage with teams. Although Tretter stopped short of outright recommending players to fake injuries, he did not completely dismiss the possibility.
Tretter emphasized the need to create as much leverage as possible, especially when restricted by the franchise tag or limited in movement. He acknowledged that some players have dealt with situations where they didn’t want to remain with their current teams and had injuries that prevented them from practicing or playing. While he couldn’t explicitly suggest faking injuries, Tretter encouraged players to find alternative ways to build leverage and secure fair deals.
Several players have expressed their frustration with the running back market. Austin Ekeler, running back for the Chargers, has been particularly vocal about the need for long-term deals for his fellow players. He has also voiced his dissatisfaction with his own contract. In fact, Ekeler’s dispute with the Chargers escalated to the point where he was allowed to seek a trade. However, the team and Ekeler reached a temporary resolution by adding $1.75 million in incentives to his deal for the upcoming season.
It remains uncertain whether Tretter’s hypothetical advice would be beneficial to players like Barkley, Pollard, or Jacobs. Nevertheless, some running backs may choose to sit out training camp, regardless of their health status, as a means of taking a stand.
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